Photo used for illustrative purpose.

A number of areas of the UAE on Wednesday witnessed rain of different intensity, because of the current weather condition that may continue until Saturday (Feb.3), the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) reported. 

“This weather condition is a result of an extension of a surface air depression from the southwest, accompanied by humid southeasterly winds with an extension of an air depression in the upper layers of the atmosphere and a westerly air current with the flow of clouds from the southwest. This will lead to the formation of cumulus clouds over scattered parts of the country accompanied by rain,” the NCM said.

Rain fell on Ramah and Seih Allhmah areas in the city of Al Ain, Al Ain – Abu Dhabi road, and on Al Ajban, Al Shahama and Sweihan areas in Abu Dhabi, the NCM said.

It also indicated that the lowest temperature recorded in the country on Wednesday was 9.7°C in Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah, at 04:45 am.

The NCM has also appealed to motorists to exercise caution while driving during rainfall, advising the public to stay away from places where water collects and the surface run-offs.

In the meantime, the Abu Dhabi Police have urged drivers to follow safe practices and stay focused, especially during upcoming rainy days, stressing the need to abide by speed limits, maintain distance, avoid sudden braking, and to pull over if visibility is impaired.

The Traffic and Patrols Directorate has also called on motorists to adhere to safety rules, avoid reckless driving, drifting, and follow traffic laws, during rainfall.

“In rainy conditions, enhance safety by keeping windows clean, maintaining lights, and replacing old tires,” it added.

The Abu Dhabi Police have also urged drivers to stay away from valleys, water gatherings, and follow safety instructions during rainfall for everyone's safety.

The NCM has also expected that the weather on Thursday will be partly cloudy to cloudy at times over some areas, especially the Northern and eastern areas, with rainfall. The winds will be light to moderate, southeasterly to northeasterly, freshening especially over the sea causing blowing dust and sand, with a speed of 15 – 25 reaching up to 40 Km/hr. The sea will be moderate to rough in the Arabian Gulf and slight to moderate in the Sea of Oman.

The Friday’s weather forecast is to be partly cloudy to cloudy at times, accompanied by some cumulus clouds over some northern and eastern areas, with a chance of rainfall, and a decrease in temperatures especially westward. The winds will be moderate to fresh, southeasterly, becoming northwesterly, and strong especially over the sea. They may stir dust and dirt causing a low horizontal visibility, with a speed of 20 – 35 reaching 55 km/hr. The sea will be rough to very rough in the Arabian Gulf and moderate to rough in Sea of Oman.

The NCM has also expected that the weather on Saturday will be partly cloudy in general and hazy at times, with a remarkable decrease in temperatures. The winds will be moderate to fresh, northwesterly, and strong especially over the sea with a speed of 20 – 35 reaching up to 55 km/hr. The sea will be very rough in the Arabian Gulf and rough in the Sea of Oman.