Parts of UAE hit by dust-stirring winds, horizontal visibility affected

Parts of the UAE on Wednesday experienced strong winds that stirred up dust, significantly reducing horizontal visibility in several areas.

On Abu Al Abaid Island, Dalma Island and Al Yasat Island in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi, horizontal visibility fell to less than 2,000 metres, while at Al Maktoum International Airport, Al Wathba and Khalifa City, it fell to less than 1,500 metres.

The National Centre for Meteorology (NCM) emphasised the importance of adhering to safety procedures during dust storms.

This includes avoiding direct exposure to dust and dust particles, exercising caution while driving, adhering to traffic safety rules and closing doors and windows to prevent dust from entering buildings.

The NCM appealed to everyone to follow its bulletins and reports and not to spread rumours.

The NCM expects Thursday to be clear to partly cloudy, with clouds appearing in the east and north. It will be humid at night and on Friday morning in some coastal and inland areas, with a possibility of light fog forming.

Northwesterly winds will shift to southeasterly and be light to moderate in speed. They will be occasionally active over the sea, reaching speeds of 10 to 25 km/h and occasionally reaching 40 km/h. The waves will be rough in the morning, becoming moderate to light in the Arabian Gulf and light in the Sea of Oman.

On Friday, it will be partly cloudy with low clouds appearing in the east. It will be humid at night and on Saturday morning in some western areas, with a chance of light fog forming.

Winds will be light to moderate in speed (ranging from 10 to 20 km/h, reaching up to 30 km/h) and will be southeasterly to the northeasterly. The sea will be mild in both the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.

The weather on Saturday will be clear to partly cloudy, with low clouds towering over the eastern parts, while temperatures may rise slightly. It will be humid at night and on Sunday morning in some coastal and inland areas, with a chance of light fog forming.

Winds will be light to moderate (ranging from 10 to 20 km/h) and will be southeasterly to northeasterly. The waves will be mild in both the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.

The Sunday’s weather will be clear to partly cloudy with high humidity overnight and on Monday morning over some coastal and inland areas, with a chance of light fog forming.

Winds will be southwesterly to northwesterly and light to moderate in speed. They may be active over sea in the evening, reaching speeds of up to 40 km/h. The sea will have light to medium waves, which may be rough at times in the Arabian Gulf, and light waves in the Sea of Oman.