UAE weather: Sandstorm, dust clouds in some parts; red, orange alerts issued as visibility drops
Fog and sandstorm cause hazardous driving conditions; weather alerts issued by NCM
UAE Experiences Dusty Conditions and Reduced Visibility on April 16
The UAE saw extensive fog and dusty conditions on Wednesday, April 16, which significantly reduced visibility in many areas. Electronic signboards warned of dangerous conditions as a sandstorm hit portions of the country, prompting drivers on the E311 to slow down.
To warn locals about the unfavorable weather conditions, which included dust, fog, and strong winds, the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) issued several weather alerts, ranging from red to yellow. On Wednesday, a red alert remained in effect until 9:30 am, specifically warning of the creation of fog that would significantly impair horizontal visibility.
An orange alert, which highlighted the dangers of new northwesterly winds that were predicted to carry sand and dust over the nation, was also in effect until 10 am. As a result of these dangerous circumstances, Abu Dhabi authorities temporarily reduced speed restrictions and urged drivers to exercise caution.
Driving conditions were further complicated by reports of heavy fog in the morning from residents across the country. Some photos taken from across Dubai illustrate the difficulties people were having in seeing.
According to the NCM, the weather is expected to be partly cloudy and dusty throughout the day, with temperatures expected to drop. Moderate to strong winds are still expected to blow, which will spread the dust and make it difficult to see in some places.
Humidity levels are expected to increase overnight, with fog or mist likely to develop in some coastal and inland northern areas, with relative humidity ranging from 30 to 70 percent in Abu Dhabi and 35 to 75 percent in Dubai.
As for temperatures, residents can expect temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C in Abu Dhabi and 28°C to 34°C in Dubai. Sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf range from rough to very rough, while the Sea of Oman is slightly to moderately rough, and sometimes rough.
