• Home

More Showers, Strong Winds Expected

ABU DHABI & SHARJAH - Most parts of the country witnessed light showers on Sunday morning with drizzles starting late Saturday night. The rain added to the chilly weather.

Sunday remained partly cloudy, particularly the mountainous and internal parts of the country, with a maximum temperature of 25 and minimum of 16 degrees Celsius.

The National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology reported rains in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and other parts of the Northern Emirates, on Sunday morning.

The Met department has cautioned beachgoers and fishermen against venturing out to the sea as it will turn rough from Wednesday afternoon due to strong winds.

A northwesterly (Shamal) wind is expected to blow at the speed of 18-24 knots over sea and turn it rough, while the offshore sea waves will be 6-8 feet high. This situation will prevail till Saturday morning with the sea conditions normalising by afternoon, according to forecasts.

Low atmospheric pressure will generate strong winds on Wednesday and also bring light showers in most parts of the country, according to the report. The met department has urged motorists to take utmost caution while driving and to slow down their speed.

Though, the impact of wind will mostly remain over sea it might raise dust on roads bringing the visibility down.

Fishermen and beachgoers can contact the centre at 02-6667776 before venturing out to the sea.

Meanwhile, motorists in Sharjah have been urged by Sharjah Police to drive cautiously during rain and fog that are expected in emirate soon.

The showers in the emirate on Saturday night and Sunday morning caused traffic congestion on Al Ittihad Road, Al Tawoun roundabout, Al Aroub and Al Kuwait streets towards Emirates Road.

As many like 22 minor accidents took place as a result of the night showers and early morning fog.

Col. Ahmed bin Darwish, head of the Anjad patrol said patrolling has been intensified in water-logged streets and congested areas.

The patrols are equipped to help motorists move their vehicles in case of breakdowns and to ensure smooth flow of traffic.

Such precautionary measures are necessary to avoid vehicle pileups, Bin Darwish said.

The police have also provided side parking facilities on highways and internal roads to enable motorists stop whenever necessary, he added.

He, however, warned motorists against speeding and urged them to drive cautiously and abide by traffic safety rules to protected themselves from getting involved in accidents and also to ensure safety of others.

afkarali@khaleejtimes.com, anwar@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE