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Duststorm hits Al Ain

DUBAI/AL AIN — Dubai experienced temperatures close to its all-time high yesterday even as a powerful dust storm lashed Al Ain’s far-flung areas covering areas like Mazyed, Al Dhahir and Umm Ghafah in sand and dust.

While Dubai reached 47.2_C yesterday, Minhad, on the outskirts of Dubai, which had recorded a country high of 52.2_C last week, soared to 52 degrees again yesterday, Dubai Meteorological Office duty forecaster Theo Carter said.

Temperature in Dubai is likely to hit 47.5_C today, according to forecasters.

The National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology said Al Qatara, near Al Ain, recorded 49.8_C and Umm Azimul, on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, witnessed 49.6 degrees.

Carter said the late sea breeze meant temperatures were high, but humidity was very low, keeping conditions relatively comfortable.

Today's conditions were predicted to be similar with a high of 47_C expected for Dubai again.

From Wednesday temperatures are expected to drop with a cooler north-westerly breeze beginning on the weekend.

Meanwhile, a dust storm, which took Al Ain residents by surprise early morning, continued until late afternoon.

According to a Met official, the dusty winds sweeping the city and its vicinity resulted in visibility dropping to as low as two metres.

While the maximum temperature hovered around 49 degrees, the minimum dropped to 34_C.

On Sunday, the maximum temperature was recorded at 47_C and the minimum 32_C.

zoe@khaleejtimes.com, lanamahdi@khaleejtimes.com

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