Cooler temperature as rain and high winds affect the region

Rain, thunder and lightning in Dubai started in the early morning hours, and the National Centre for Meteorology and Siesmology warned of heavy thunderstorms in Al Ruwais

Rains splash Dubai on January 19 morning. Photo by Ajo Mathew Maliyil via Facebook

Abu Dhabi -- Motorists were warned to drive carefully on Monday morning as rain and thunderstorms began across the country around midnight.

“Medium to heavy rain on different areas in Abu Dhabi and on highways. Motorists are urged to drive cautiously,” the Ministry of Interior posted on Twitter.

Rain, thunder and lightning in Dubai started in the early morning hours, and the National Centre for Meteorology and Siesmology warned of heavy thunderstorms in Al Ruwais. The centre also warned of scattered storms in the Northern Emirates, as well as light to moderate rain in many parts of Abu Dhabi.

A significant fall in temperatures and heavy winds are also forecast for the rest of Monday, with the mercury predicted to drop as low as 13 C in internal areas.

The forecast is for hazy, partly cloudy to cloudy at times weather. Cloud amounts will continue increasing, especially over eastern and northern areas, with a chance of further rain during morning, and another slight drop in temperature.

Moderate to fresh winds, strong over the sea, will causing blowing dust/sand over the exposed areas. Seas will be rough to very rough in the Arabian Gulf in the morning, decreasing gradually by afternoon, and moderate to rough in the Sea of Oman.