UAE | Environment
Met warns of rain, thunderstorms and poor visibility
Bad weather is caused by low pressure system crossing over country.
- By Mahmood Saberi, Senior Reporter
- Published: 22:09 April 3, 2009
- Image Credit: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/Gulf News
- People enjoy a day at the beach after the expected rain did not arrive as early as expected. Many took advantage of thepleasant Friday weather to head to the beaches and parks.
Dubai: The Met Office issued a warning to prepare for rain, thunderstorms and squally winds of about 75 km/h which will reduce visibility on the roads considerably on Saturday.
The skies were overcast on Friday afternoon and many weekend celebrations in the open were moved indoors. Visibility was 7 to 8 kilometres late yesterday afternoon, but will drop to less than a kilometre when the rains hit, said the duty forecaster.
A marine warning was issued on Thursday night, a forecaster said, as the winds could suddenly pick up speed over the sea.
A light drizzle fell over some areas of the country yesterday morning and the capital was hit by winds of up to 56 km/h speed. Delma received heavy rain.
The bad weather across the UAE is caused by a low pressure system crossing over the country. "The main flow is coming from the west and there is a thunderstorm right now (Friday afternoon) over Doha, Qatar," said Giorgio Allessio, duty forecaster.
"There could be residual rain Sunday also across the UAE, but the weather will improve after that," said the forecaster. Later this week onwards the weather conditions will stabilise and the temperatures will return to the normal 30 degrees Celsius.
The unsettled weather is normal for this time of the year as the cooler air coming in from the Eastern Mediterranean mixes with the warmer upper currents here. "This is the last of such activity before summer," said the forecaster.
The UAE experienced heavy rain and hailstorms in the recent past and the freaky weather claimed a couple of lives with some drowning in the rough seas and others in flash floods in Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah. A few lives were also lost in traffic accidents in Al Ain and in a building collapse in Dubai.
Precaution: Safe driving tips during bad weather
By Rayeesa Absal, Staff Reporter
- Check brakes work effectively, tyres are in good condition and tyre pressure is adequate.
- Make sure windshield wiper blades are in good condition. n Washer reservoir must have sufficient water.
- Check lights - headlights, brake, reverse, hazard and fog lights are working.
- On the road be careful and attentive. n Always wear seatbelts.
- Drive slower than normal.
- Don't talk on your mobile phone while driving.
- Turn on the headlights in heavy rain. Don't use the high beam.
- Keep a greater distance from the vehicle in front of you. n Brake earlier and avoid swerving.
- Stay in the same lane as much as possible.
- Don't switch on your hazard lights except in an emergency situation.
- Do not park under trees, electric poles, billboards or near construction sites.
- In case of an emergency, set a hazard warning triangle a bit away from your car.
- If your vehicle starts to skid, never apply brakes or turn the steering wheel. Ease off the acceleration and keep steering in the same direction.
Source: Emirates Driving Company, Abu Dhabi
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