Sandstorm hits again, likely to continue today

UAE was hit by a sandstorm caused by strong southeasterly winds, reducing visibility drastically in some parts and confining people to remain indoors most of the day.

According to National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS), most of the open land areas were badly affected by the sandstorm caused by strong Southeasterly winds on Tuesday. The sandstorm began early on Tuesday morning, and, according to NCMS, it will continue today.

“The sandstorm will continue through Wednesday and on Thursday and will subsidise with southeasterly wind changing to northwesterly,” said a weatherman at the centre. The badly affected areas were Liwa and parts of Al Ain.

In Dubai, the hazy weather took residents by surprise as strong winds kicked up dust and sand causing low visibility. The sky was generally overcast and temperatures ranged between 15ºC and 32ºC.

According to an earlier reading from the centre, the sandstorm was caused by a low pressure along the Red Sea as well as a cold air mass.

The NCMS said there may be chances of rainfall especially over the coastal and northern areas over the next few days, while seas are expected to be rough in general. Moderate winds are expected to continue across the city so motorists and commuters are advised to take care on the roads. In the Capital, its suburbs and remote areas, the strong winds started early in the morning causing sandstorms across the emirate. There were no flights diversions or delays in flights despite the bad weather.

According to some residents in Al Ain, the weather was so bad that they could not go out, and many people complained of eye problems and skin itching. Similar reports came in from other parts of the country like Suweihan, Al Khazna, Al Khatm, Liwa Oasis, Al Ruwais and Al Ghuwaifat.

The Northern Emirates too experienced similar weather conditions.

nissar@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE