Heavy rains on Monday night and this morning left many parts of Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates flooded, causing traffic jams and forcing schools to close early.

Offices reported thin attendance with many office-goers unable to reach their workplaces due to traffic snarls.

The Dubai Meteorological Office has forecast that more rain would follow on Tuesday and Wednesday which was caused by a trough of low air pressure from Saudi Arabia.

The maximum temperature will be 27 degrees Celcius, with a minimum temperature of 23 degrees Celcius.

Sharjah recorded the most rainfall of 36.2 millimeters on Saturday night, according to the Met office.

Rains of upto 40mm are expected later today, accompanied by thunder and lightning, with winds reaching 50km an hour, said the forecast.

Airport authorities have also been warned as rain and gust might disrupt air traffic.

The water level at dams in Ras Al Khaimah, has risen dramatically and various areas have seen rainfall well above their annual average, according to a report by the Ministry of Water and Environment.

Abu Dhabi Met Department has advised people not to venture into sea during this time and to avoid all water sports, as waves are expected to reach more than two metres.

Prices of certain varieties of fish in Ras Al Khaimah have risen sharply, with fishermen not going to sea, and traders selling available stock at higher prices.