Dust storm hits UAE, to continue till Saturday night

A dust storm hit several areas of the UAE on Thursday morning, the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) said.
NCMS said the dust storm, which affected several areas of the UAE at 5.30am, will remain at its peak till 10am.
In a cautionary message, NCMS warned residents of strong winds and dust storms.
The dust storms are expected to continue until Saturday night.
It also has warned of continuing hot weather over the next 24 hours, with temperatures reaching as high as 49 degrees inland.
The UAE will be hot to very hot in general, partly cloudy and hazy at times, with a chance of convective clouds over some eastern and southern areas by afternoon, associated with some scattered rainfall.
Winds will be light to moderate in general, freshening at times over some areas, causing blowing dust and sand over some exposed areas. Relative humidity will increase during the night and early morning over some coastal and internal areas, with a chance of fog or mist formation, especially over the western areas.
Winds will veer southeasterly to northeasterly, 15 - 25 Kph, reaching 35 Kph at times during the daytime.
The outlook for the next 48 hours is more of the same, hot to very hot, partly cloudy and hazy at times, light to moderate winds freshening at times over some northern areas on Saturday, causing blowing dust and sand and poor horizontal visibility over exposed areas.
Relative humidity will increase during nights and mornings over some coastal and internal area.
Seas will be moderate to rough at times over northern areas on Saturday in the Arabian Gulf, and rough in general in the Sea of Oman.
Be cautious during sandstorm
A brewing sandstorm could kick up allergic winds during the weekend, warned experts, urging residents to take the necessary precautions.
What to do
People should avoid going out in a storm.
People, especially patients, should cover their faces, eyes, nose and mouth to avoid inhaling dust and sand.
It is advisable to drink lots of water.
In severe sandstorms, wet towels can be put under the front door and windows to prevent sand from entering your property.
Allergic Rhinitis
Symptoms include itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing and nose congestion and headache.
In severe cases this also causes sleep loss, sinusitis, nose bleeds and middle ear infection.
Rhinitis caused by allergens such as fungal spores, plant and grass pollen, ragweed, dust and certain chemicals.
While the condition cannot be cured, it can easily be managed by removing contact with allergens and taking anti-histamine drugs if necessary.

(With inputs from Wam)