First shower of the year in Western Region

Abu Dhabi - Delma Island in Abu Dhabi's Al Gharbia (Western Region) witnessed 2011's first rain on Sunday morning with temperatures dropping below normal.

According to reports, the islands, sea as well as nearby coastline of the emirate witnessed light showers in the morning.

“The weather was very pleasant this morning with light rains. The temperatures were little down, but not chilled, so we enjoyed it. I believe it was great New Year gift for the people of the island. We also got the fragrance of the wet soil after a long time. When it rains, the soil, particularly the red sand releases a wonderful fragrance,” said Aboud Al Shammari, a UAE resident of the island.

Another resident of Al Gharbia, Naseer Ahmed in Abu Al Abbiyadh, said they also enjoyed a pleasant weather on Sunday with moderate temperatures.

“The weather was very good today. There were clouds over the sky the whole day and temperature was normal though we are close to the open sea.”

According to National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology in the Capital, there are chances of light rains and drizzling in parts of the country, mainly the Northern Emirates coastline today.

The Met Office, in its forecast for the next 48 hours, said the sky will be partly cloudy at times over the eastern areas with mild showers during the daytime. The weather would be pleasant by night and would be cold in some internal and mountain areas.

The forecast said the western coastal region was affected on Sunday with a low visibility due to blowing of the northwesterly wind, which caused dust rising up in Al Hamra and Safran areas of Al Gharbia, bringing down the visibility level to less than 3,000 meters.

According to the report, the minimum temperatures in the next 48 hours will be13 in Ras Al Khaimah; 14 in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah; 15 in Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah, and 16 in Dubai.

Abu Dhabi city and its suburbs witnessed cloudy and pleasant weather the whole day on Sunday with residents expecting some rains from midnight and during the next 48 hours. Residents in Al Ain and its remote areas also witnessed a similar weather and expect rains in the forthcoming days.

Ras Al Khaimah’s Jebel Jesse, which saw snowfall last year, was the country’s coldest area on Saturday, with temperature dropping to six degree Celsius.

Rashed Miran, a resident of nearby Manama Township between Al Dhaid and Massafi, said the entire mountainous area witnessed cold winds with cloudy skies.

“We expect some rain in the early morning and tomorrow, particularly in the mountains and around Fujairah where we could see dark clouds,” he said. — nissar@khaleejtimes.com

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