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Unexpected Heat to End, Showers Expected Today
DUBAI - Winter lapsed into premature summer as UAE awoke to unusually high temperatures on Friday amid dust swirls in generally windy conditions.
- PUBLISHED: Sun 28 Feb 2010, 1:31 AM UPDATED: Fri 16 Aug 2024, 10:44 AM
The freak weather conditions will continue, weathermen said, though moderate to heavy rainfall by Saturday evening could ensure a return to normal winter temperatures by Sunday.
Chances of rain in the northern mountainous region is greater compared to the coastal area.
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A high of 38.6 degrees Celsius was recorded at Al Ghuwaifat, in the Western region, while Dubai's temperature rose to 35 degrees Celsius. Visibility remained moderate.
The National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) attributed the unusual temperatures and dusty conditions to prevailing low pressure and strong southerly winds.
Blowing dust and ensuing haze left the horizontal visibility level to 1,500 metres, prompting the authorities to issue a warning to motorists across the country.
The NCMS forecaster warned fishermen and other seafarers against venturing out to the sea until further notice. With waves as high as eight feet, both the Arabian Gulf and the Arabian Sea will continue to be stormy and rough.
A change in wind direction from southerly to north-westerly with frequent variability will further reduce visibility level today.
The condition is likely to disrupt air-traffic as well in the morning.
Temperature forecast for Saturday in Dubai is a maximum of 35 and a minimum of 26 degrees Celsius, while cooler climes are likely to return on Sunday with a maximum of 29 and minimum of 23.
shafaat@khaleejtimes.com