Sheikha Al Naqbi / Mohammed Abu Al Samen
Drizzles to heavy rains fell on separate areas across the country including Masafi in the Eastern Region, Dibba and areas in the eastern coast as a result of the country being affected by the extension of a surface low pressure system accompanied by the extension of a low-pressure system in the upper atmosphere.
The rains are expected to continue falling on Wednesday for four days.
Wednesday’s weather is expected to be partly cloudy to cloudy with a chance of rains on the islands and some coastal and northern areas, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM).
Moderate to active southeasterly to northeasterly winds will blow, turning to strong and dust-stirring at times at 15 to 30 and up to 50 km/h, causing the horizontal visibility to be lower, while the sea will be moderate to rough in the Arabian Gulf compared with regular to moderate waves in the Sea of Oman.
Thursday’s weather will be unstable and partly cloudy to cloudy with some cumulus clouds and rains falling on separate areas across the country.
Moderate to active southeasterly to northwesterly winds will blow, turning to strong and dust-stirring at times with cloud cover at 15 to 35 and up to 55 km/h, causing the horizontal visibility to be lower.
The sea will be moderate to rough in the Arabian Gulf compared to regular to moderate and occasionally rough in the Sea of Oman. Friday’s weather is expected to be unstable and partly cloudy to cloudy with some cumulus clouds and rains on separate areas across the country and a drop in temperature.
Saturday’s weather will be partly cloudy to cloudy at times with a chance of some cumulus clouds accompanied by rains on the northern and eastern areas.
Meanwhile, as part of its commitment to enhancing public safety and protecting lives and property, the Ministry of Interior (MoI) called on members of the community to adhere to the guidelines and instructions issued during periods of weather fluctuations.
The Ministry stressed that community awareness and compliance with laws contribute directly to reducing accidents and risks associated with rain, winds and weather fluctuations.
The MoI explained that the country may experience periods of rain of varying intensity, sometimes accompanied by strong winds, thunder, lightning and hail.
There may also be a decrease in horizontal visibility in some areas.
This requires the utmost caution and vigilance from drivers and the general public.
The Ministry has confirmed that gathering near valleys, flood channels and dams in rainy conditions poses a direct threat to public safety and constitutes an offence punishable by a fine of Dhs1,000 and 6 black points.
The MoI also affirmed that entering flowing valleys is a serious offence, regardless of the level of danger, and is punishable by a fine of Dhs2,000, vehicle impoundment for 60 days and the recording of 23 black points.
In the same context, the Ministry warned against obstructing the competent authorities from performing their duties in regulating traffic and emergency services such as ambulances and rescue services during emergencies, disasters, rainfall and valley flow.
The Ministry noted that this violation warrants a fine of Dhs1000, in addition to the vehicle being impounded for 60 days and 4 black points being recorded.
The MoI urged drivers to reduce their speed, keep a safe distance behind other vehicles and avoid using mobile phones while driving. It emphasised the importance of adhering to the instructions of police officers and other relevant authorities.
The Ministry also advised the public to avoid areas prone to flooding, such as valleys, and to steer clear of the sea and beaches during periods of bad weather to ensure their safety.
It further stressed that safety is a shared responsibility, and cooperation between the public and the relevant authorities is key to navigating adverse weather conditions safely.
The Ministry reiterated its call for everyone to comply with the relevant guidelines and instructions, and to work together to create a safer and more secure society.