Manama: The heavy sandstorms that blanketed Kuwait on Wednesday are expected to disappear entirely with sunny weather forecast over the weekend, the country's meteorology office said.
The storms were a result of a high pressure front in the north of the country combined with a cold air mass and strong winds gusting to up to 50kph, Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) quoted a senior met official as saying.
Visibility levels fell to less than 250 metres in some built-up areas and to 400 metres at Kuwait International Airport (KIA), while falling to virtually zero in some areas.
Mohammad Karam, Kuwait's Met office director, said the sandstorms would dissipate, but warned those setting out to sea to be extra-careful due to extremely choppy conditions, which could lead to high waves.
He also urged motorists to take particular care when driving during sandstorms, and also warned asthmatic people and those suffering from allergies to take all necessary precautions in these conditions and to stay home if possible, venturing out only if absolutely essential.
The public should check the weather forecast when setting out on trips due to the changeable conditions at this time of year, he added.
According to local meteorologist Saleh Al Ujairi, the sandstorms are "entirely normal for this time of year", but he echoed Karam's warnings to sailors and those with breathing problems to take particular care, KUNA said.
