Windy, dusty days ahead for UAE residents

Top Stories

Windy, dusty days ahead for UAE residents

The National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology warns that weather will be hazy and dusty with moderate winds blowing sand into the air for today and most of Monday.

By Bernd Debusmann Jr

  • Follow us on
  • google-news
  • whatsapp
  • telegram

Published: Mon 23 Feb 2015, 1:41 AM

Last updated: Fri 26 Jun 2015, 12:25 AM

Dubai has been witnessing sandstorms for the past couple of days. — KT photo by Rahul Gajjar

Dubai has been witnessing sandstorms for the past couple of days. — KT photo by Rahul Gajjar

Global Village to remain closed till weather clears

Amira Agarib

Dubai — The Global Village will remain closed to the public until the weather clears. The move is to to ensure the safety of people after a sandstorm hit the UAE on Friday. The Dubai Police have advised the public to wear masks and eyeglasses when going out.

Brigadier Omer Abdul Aziz Al Shamsi, Director of Command-and-Control Room, said traffic was affected due to the sandstorm. However, no serious accidents were reported due to the strong winds.

He said the Dubai Police received 300 calls since Friday and only minor accidents were recorded.— amira@khaleejtimes.com

Dubai - The UAE can expect at least another two days of winds, dust and cloudy weather, according to the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS).

The NCMS has warned that today will again be hazy and dusty, with moderate winds blowing sand into the air and significantly reducing visibility.

The weather is expected to be similar for most of Monday. This, according to an NCMS spokesperson, “is considered normal for this time”.

Taking shelter from the storm ...  at Al Warqaa, Dubai. &— KT photo by Dhes Handumon

Taking shelter from the storm ...  at Al Warqaa, Dubai. &— KT photo by Dhes Handumon

“There is low pressure and strong, accelerated winds blowing south that are bringing dust and sand from northern Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Kuwait to our area,” the spokesperson told Khaleej Times.

“There are also winds travelling from west to east from the Mediterranean, along the 30th parallel north. We are on the eastern end of this.”

Additionally, clouds are expected to increase in the northern areas of the country, with a chance of rainfall in certain areas.

Saturday brought highs of between 31 and 34°C and lows of between 16 and 22°C in coastal areas. Further inland saw highs of 33 and 37°C and lows of between 14 and 21°C.

Struggling with his cycle and load ... at Al Quoz, Dubai.  &— KT photo by Leslie Pableo

Struggling with his cycle and load ... at Al Quoz, Dubai.  &— KT photo by Leslie Pableo

The Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea will be “rough” to “very rough”, with onshore waves between three and five feet, and offshore waves reaching a height of up to 12 feet in some areas.

Winds of between 35 and 45kmph were expected throughout Saturday and today in coastal areas, reaching up to 60kmph at times. Internal areas can expect winds of between 25 and 35kmph, although even further inland it may reach 60 kmph at points.

Additionally, he said, all of the UAE may be affected by rains and clouds through March.

Drivers beware

The NCMS spokesperson said people should exercise caution while driving over the next few days. “Much care must be taken on roads. There will be very poor visibility today and tomorrow,” he said.

He said people suffering from respiratory illnesses should avoid going outside in the dusty conditions. “People suffering from asthma, for example, should be careful.”

The NCMS also warned that temperatures would continue to “substantially drop” between Sunday and Monday evening. -bernd@khaleejtimes.com


More news from