Al Ain: Weather forecasters have warned residents who are allergic to dust to take protective measures as strong winds, accompanied by dust or sandstorms from the upper Gulf region and scattered rain are likely to occur across the Emirates on Friday.
“It could be a dust or sandstorm,” said a meteorologist, adding that the conditions are likely to continue for the next two to three days. People planning outdoor activities during the weekend have to be cautious. The sea will also be rough, he said, advising weekend swimmers and fishermen to stay away from the sea.
The forecast models, he said, have been showing strong winds kicking up dust in the dried up marshlands of Iraq with a strong chance it reaching the emirates. “We expect dusty conditions on Friday and Saturday with chance of scattered rain as well,” the meteorologist said.
Wind and flying fine particles of dust and sand can reduce the horizontal visibility, creating problem for motorists on highways across the country.
The National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) said the weather on Friday will be hazy and partly cloudy in most areas, particularly in the western areas.
Unstable weather, said the centre, will continue on Saturday with increase amount of low and medium clouds and scattered rain, especially over the northern and eastern emirates. The velocity of wind is expected to be between 35 and 40km/h in the coastal and inland areas.
The NCMS also expect a significant fall in temperature in the western areas. The weather was hot on Thursday, with the mercury shooting up to 40 degree Celsius in some inland areas of the country, giving a summer like feeling.
Forecasters said people with different allergies and breathing problems such as asthma have to take protective measures. Fine dust particles are likely to remain suspended in the air, causing breathing difficulties for these people.
