In pictures: Rain, thundershowers across the UAE

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah early on Thursday morning. Dubai residents woke up to strong winds. thunder and lightning at around 3am, earlier than expected according to the weather forecast.

While the intensitiy of rain decreased around 4.30am, more rain of different intesities is expected through the day.Residents caught in the rain near Ibn Batuta mall in Dubai.

Motorists driving on King Faisal street in Sharjah after early morning rain. The Met office issued an amber alert, indicating that rain-bearing clouds had covered most parts of the country.

Residents walking in the rain in Al Majaz area of Sharjah.

Dubai police are assisting in controlling traffic in Al Qusais. Dubai Police officers are strategically positioned at key junctions to regulate traffic, divert vehicles away from flooded areas, and maintain order on the roads.

A scene at a bus stop near Al Nahda metro station in Dubai.

Residents caught in the rain at Al Majaz in Sharjah.

Rain on Maleiha Road in Sharjah.

Sharjah municipality workers cleared central holes with a giant vacuum machine at Jamal Abdul Nasser Street.

Residents caught in the rain on King Faisal Street in Sharjah.

Dubai Police regulating traffic on train-hot roads.

A street in Abu Dhabi.

Traffic movement near Al Qusais during rain in Dubai.

At 3am, strong winds were reported by Dubai residents, and heavy rain with thunder and lightning was recorded in Jebel Ali, Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai Industrial City, Dubai Investments Park, and Jumeirah Village Triangle.

A scene from Mubarak bin Mohammed street in Abu Dhabi.

Rain on Maleiha Road in Sharjah.

Showers along with lightning and thunder were also reported from Sharjah.

Dubai field teams are out on the roads to address the impact of the rains since early this morning.

A child is seen enjoying the rain in Abu Dhabi.

A scene from Al Qasimia area in Sharjah.

Dubai Municipality employees could be seen assessing the stability of trees along roadsides.

Dubai Police regulating traffic on train-hot roads.