The National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology warns that weather will be hazy and dusty with moderate winds blowing sand into the air for today and most of Monday.
Dubai – The UAE can expect at least another two days of winds, dust and cloudy weather, according to the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS).
The NCMS has warned that today will again be hazy and dusty, with moderate winds blowing sand into the air and significantly reducing visibility.
The weather is expected to be similar for most of Monday. This, according to an NCMS spokesperson, “is considered normal for this time”.
“There is low pressure and strong, accelerated winds blowing south that are bringing dust and sand from northern Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Kuwait to our area,” the spokesperson told Khaleej Times.
“There are also winds travelling from west to east from the Mediterranean, along the 30th parallel north. We are on the eastern end of this.”
Additionally, clouds are expected to increase in the northern areas of the country, with a chance of rainfall in certain areas.
Saturday brought highs of between 31 and 34°C and lows of between 16 and 22°C in coastal areas. Further inland saw highs of 33 and 37°C and lows of between 14 and 21°C.
The Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea will be “rough” to “very rough”, with onshore waves between three and five feet, and offshore waves reaching a height of up to 12 feet in some areas.
Winds of between 35 and 45kmph were expected throughout Saturday and today in coastal areas, reaching up to 60kmph at times. Internal areas can expect winds of between 25 and 35kmph, although even further inland it may reach 60 kmph at points.
Additionally, he said, all of the UAE may be affected by rains and clouds through March.
Drivers beware
The NCMS spokesperson said people should exercise caution while driving over the next few days. “Much care must be taken on roads. There will be very poor visibility today and tomorrow,” he said.
He said people suffering from respiratory illnesses should avoid going outside in the dusty conditions. “People suffering from asthma, for example, should be careful.”
Global Village to remain closed till weather clears
Amira Agarib
Dubai — The Global Village will remain closed to the public until the weather clears. The move is to to ensure the safety of people after a sandstorm hit the UAE on Friday. The Dubai Police have advised the public to wear masks and eyeglasses when going out.
Brigadier Omer Abdul Aziz Al Shamsi, Director of Command-and-Control Room, said traffic was affected due to the sandstorm. However, no serious accidents were reported due to the strong winds.
He said the Dubai Police received 300 calls since Friday and only minor accidents were recorded.
