Drizzle and thunderstorm amid unusual cloudiness

Dubai/Fujairah: A thunderstorm developed inland of Jebel Ali yesterday afternoon following a day of overcast conditions.

Rain was reported by motorists on Shaikh Zayed Road and on the Dubai-Al Ain Road as a result of the storm.

Forecasters, however, said that while rain is possible in the mountainous areas today, other parts of the country are likely to remain dry.

"We've had a lot of clouds. They have come in from the east. It's an unusual thing we get from time to time," said Phil Targett, duty forecaster at Dubai International Airport. "There is some dust over us as well."

Winds gusted up to about 20 knots in Dubai yesterday, and the mercury reached 39C then fell to 31C. Similar temperatures are expected today.

Fujairah fishermen went back to sea yesterday after rough waters prevented boats from venturing out on Tuesday.

Moderately strong winds coupled with a slightly high tide caused waves to hit against sea defences but conditions were not on the scale of last month's Guno-related conditions.

A small amount of water managed to encroach on Al Faseel beach, which appears to have been the result of weakened sand defences from June's weather.

Precautionary measures have been taken by both Fujairah and Kalba municipalities. Sand and water pumping trucks have been deployed.