Video: Continuous lightning, thunder hit Dubai; rains forecast for 4 days

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Abu Dhabi - The country has been hit by heavy showers throughout the weekend.

By Team KT

Published: Sat 21 Mar 2020, 11:00 PM

Last updated: Mon 23 Mar 2020, 10:19 AM

Scattered thunderstorms and rains of different intensity lashed various parts of the country on Saturday, with more expected till Wednesday. Late on the day, a burst of lightning that did not seem to stop hit Dubai and Sharjah, even as thunder boomed in the distance.

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) urged residents to brace for more rainfall, take precautions and comply with advisories issued by the authorities.

Moderate to heavy rains fell over Abu Dhabi mainland, Mussafah, Dalma Island, Al Ain and Al Ruwais. Motorists on the Abu Dhabi-Al Ain and Al Ain-Dubai highways experienced light to moderate showers. Moderate to heavy rains fell over parts of Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Kalba, Fujairah and Khor Fakkan. The lowest temperature recorded was 12.9 degrees Celsius on the Jebel Jais Mountain.
Also read: Heavy rain hits UAE as mercury drops

(1/2) Video: Lightning, heavy rain lashes Dubai among other parts of UAE on Saturday https://t.co/pfOSUUYaZF

(source: KT reader) pic.twitter.com/clbrZ0iEri
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) March 21, 2020

(2/2) Video: Lightning, heavy rain lashes Dubai among other parts of UAE on Saturday https://t.co/UcwIkdWobe pic.twitter.com/0jxbGeFiS6
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) March 21, 2020

Video: UAE skies light up on Saturday as thunderstorm lashes the country https://t.co/pfOSUVfLRd pic.twitter.com/2lcv3hvwj4
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) March 21, 2020

Dubai Police issued a warning on social media urging motorists to drive carefully, and adhere to the prescribed speed limit - set by UAE authorities - during inclement weather.

Driving safely should be your number one concern behind the wheel. Kindly comply with traffic rules, and with the speed limits during rainy weather.#YourSecurityOurHappiness
- Dubai Police???? ??? (@DubaiPoliceHQ) March 21, 2020

Strong winds, poor visibility According to the NCM, unstable conditions are expected to continue for the next few days with chances of scattered rain across the country. "Precautions must be taken in case of poor visibility due to heavy rain. It is advised to stay away from areas of flash floods and valleys," the NCM said in an alert issued on Saturday afternoon.
"We had rain clouds with strong winds reaching speeds of 55kmph."
The weatherman said the conditions for the next few days will be cloudy with rainfall of different intensities, accompanied by lightning and thunder at times. The Abu Dhabi Police have urged motorists to drive cautiously."
The Abu Dhabi Police call on motorists to exercise caution due to rainy conditions and to follow the changing speed limits displayed on electronic information boards."
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com