The meteorological expert was responding to queries by Khaleej Times on popular notion among the public in general and beach-goers in particular that the raging waves at the beach are the after effects of the tsunami that hit several coastal belts in Asia killing thousands.

“The weather, apart from being overcast and wet over the past two to three days has been very windy. We've had 30-knot winds in places, and the rough seas are just a result of the strong gusts,” he explained.

He added that while the swells were around five feet on shore, nine to 10 feet waves are frequent offshore under such weather conditions.

Meanwhile most parts of the country experienced intermittent rain throughout the day yesterday, and the skies were still overcast late evening when reports last came in. Moderate to heavy showers were reported from Sharjah, and 12mm of rain was recorded in the emirate by 7.30pm.

According to the weather offices at international airports in Sharjah and Dubai, the weather is likely to continue on the same pattern till tomorrow.

A minimum of 16 degrees Celsius was recorded last night, while a maximum of 21 degrees is expected in the daytime today. The forecast for the next few days suggests partly cloudy skies and, owing to the Shamal that established yesterday in the Southern Gulf, a cool weather. Chance of more rains and a risk of thundery showers, accompanied by 30 knot winds, has also been forecast for late morning today. The strong gusts in the vicinity of thunderstorms could cause rough seas, and a marine warning would be issued accordingly. The weather is however expected to be fine on Friday.

Al Ain City also received heavy rains yesterday. The rain continued throughout the day and with the overcast conditions continuing more showers are expected over the next 24 hours. According to Mahmoud Othman, weather forecaster at the Meteorological Office in Abu Dhabi, the Eastern region generally experiences such climate particularly between September and January. He attributed the weather to the geographical position of Al Ain and the Eastern region, and the hills surrounding the area. The humidity, and the Northeastern and Southeastern winds blowing from the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean respectively, also play a role in gathering of the clouds in the afternoon and evening.

According to the official, the weather conditions are likely to persist till late today and tomorrow. Yesterday Al Ain experienced a maximum temperature of 25 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 18 degrees.

A source from the department of agriculture in Al Ain said that the rainfall reduce top soil salinity, and expressed hopes that the increasing level of groundwater will increase farm production in the coming season.

Meanwhile the Al Ain police have appealed residents to follow traffic regulations and avoid driving fast during rains.

Fujairah and Eastern Region also witnessed from moderate to heavy rains on Monday. According to the Eastern District Agriculture Weather Office, 9.4mm of rainfall was recorded in Fujairah, 8.6 in Didana, 7.8 in Khorfakkan, 7.6 in Kalba, 4.5 in Masafi, and 3.5mm in Dibba.

The rain which continued throughout Sunday flooded roads, and valleys and dams of the Eastern Region were drenched in water raising hopes of a good agriculture produce. The water level in the Albaira dam in Dibba has reached 75cm, while the water level for other areas is yet to be measured.

Residents of Fujairah after a considerable period of drought or insufficient rains went out on to the streets to enjoy the rainfall.