Al Ain: Light to moderate rain hit Dubai and some parts of the northern emirates yesterday, settling the dust which had been stirred up by continuous windy weather across the country.
The rain started at about 5pm as had been forecast.
The weather bureau said a marked drop in temperature was likely today as the cooler Shamal (westerly and north-westerly) winds were to replace the warm and dusty south-easterly winds.
Conditions would continue to be windy, with the Shamal becoming gusty at times.
This could lead to dust and sand blowing across the open areas and a drop in visibility.
According to the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS), the weather would be cloudy to partly cloudy in general, especially over the northern and eastern emirates.
A chance of rain also existed in these areas.
"We expect a marked fall in temperatures over most areas," a duty forecaster said. The sea would also be rough and unfit for small boats and fishing trawlers, he added.
Unsettled weather has been sweeping across the UAE since January 29 and is likely to start settling down later this evening.
South-easterly wind gusts battered towns and cities across the country yesterday during the day and night.
Motorists suffered from poor visibility due to the billowing dust and sand.
Dubai Air and Navigation Services said the winds were blowing at speeds of around 40 knots and visibility had dropped down to just 100 metres or less in some areas.
Conditions did not affect air traffic, however.
Show now two days
With the adverse weather continuing to affect the emirates, the opening of Al Ain Aerobatic Show has further been postponed until tomorrow.
The five-day show that attracts thousands from across the UAE and abroad, now has been reduced to two days. "The weather is expected to improve over the weekend, so the show will go ahead on Friday 4th and Saturday 5th February," said a spokesman for the organisers.
The show will now be open from to 6.30pm, with gates opening from 9am on both days," said the spokesperson.
Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and the UAE Armed forces are the joint organisers.
