VIDEO: Dense fog engulfs UAE, slows down traffic in some areas
- 19 Jan 2021
Gulf Today, Staff Reporter
Dense fog covered several areas of the UAE on Tuesday morning, prompting authorities to issue traffic alert for motorists.
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Visibility was reduced to 100 metres in Sharjah’s city centre area.
Police patrols were dispatched to major roads and roundabouts to manage the flow of traffic.
The UAE’s weather body said Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah experienced thick fog in most of the areas, while Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah saw fog patches in some areas.
The temperatures touched around 5°C in the mountainous areas.
The Abu Dhabi Police urged motorists to practice safe driving during the foggy weather conditions in the coming days.
Police also urged motorists to commit to practicing preventive procedures, such as monitoring weather forecasts, leaving safe distances between cars, using windshield wipers, using adequate lights in low visibility and ensuring that vehicles are in good running condition, especially the brakes and tyres.
Motorists are also required to adhere to a maximum speed of 80-kilometres per hour during periods of fog, noting that speed limits on the electronic road signs change according to weather conditions.
Dubai Police urged motorists to keep a safe distance between cars and adjust their speed to the weather conditions. Police said, “allow extra time for your journey and check your planned route.
“It’s also advisable to wait for the fog to clear until visibility improves."
The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) has called on farmers to beware of severe cold waves that may harm crops and lead to large economic losses. It also called on them to take the necessary precautions to deal with frost waves caused by a drop in temperatures to below 10 degrees, stressing the importance of planting appropriate windbreaks to reduce the impact of cold air masses that pose a threat to crops.