Abu Dhabi: Rain and a cold wind from the west marked the weekend across the UAE also leading to a significant drop in temperature.
According to the National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS), the rain that began on Friday afternoon is expected to continue until early on Sunday, especially in the northern and eastern parts of the country.
Light to moderate showers have been brought about by clouds that developed in the western areas due to low pressure in the upper atmosphere.
The temperature has also dropped by about five to seven degrees Celsius in most areas since Friday, and they are expected to drop further on Sunday. The lower temperatures have been most noticeable in coastal areas, an NCMS representative told Gulf News.
For example, a maximum temperature of 29.4 degrees Celsius was noted near the Abu Dhabi International Airport on Friday whereas the maximum temperature on Saturday was 23 degrees Celsius.
Interior areas have also grown colder, with the maximum temperature dropping from 30 degrees Celsius on Friday afternoon to 27 degrees Celsius on Saturday.
Winds are expected to move east and die down by Monday, after which the situation will stabilise, the NCMS representative said.
Fisherman, sailors and visitors to the coast have been urged to be careful as the seas are especially rough. Strong winds are expected to make the seas even rougher on Sunday. There will, however, be negligible change in fog conditions on Sunday morning.
Meanwhile, residents are enjoying the light showers.
“With the heavy fog over the last few days, I was afraid that winter was over. So the rain is a really welcome sight,” said Mohammad Asif, a 27-year-old Indian engineer.
Latifa Z., a resident of Abu Dhabi, said she was enjoying the day with her family. “We’re staying at home and sipping hot cups of coffee,” she said.
However, some people had to change their plans due to the rain.
“I was hoping to enjoy the pleasant weather and stay outdoors today, but the rains have made the day seem gloomy, and I have had to stay home,” Mohammad Abdullah, a 26-year-old auditor in Dubai, said.
“I do, however, think that these rains will be the last ones of this winter. So I am looking forward to warmer weather.”
