More heavy rain on the way, warn weathermen

Dubai: Heavy rain, water logging and traffic jams - that's Tuesday in a nutshell.

Residents' hopes of a smooth ride to work were dashed as the skies opened leading to water logging and flooding in many parts of the UAE. Heavy rain lashed the country, mainly Dubai and the northern emirates. And there is more in store on Wednesday.

The meteorological office warned of heavy rainfall on Wednesday morning. Motorists are advised to drive carefully as more roads will be partially submerged by the continuing deluge.

Rainfall in Dubai surpassed the monthly record of 81.9 millimetres as the city received around 100 millimetres rain in the last few days, according to Dr S.K. Gupta, duty forecaster, Meteorological Office at Dubai International Airport.

The reason for the heavy rain is due to the low pressure system over the UAE, and added to that is a trough which has accentuated the unstable weather, said the weather forecaster. The gusty westerly winds are blowing at 25 knots offshore and a marine warning is out for today.

The sea is also very rough and people have been urged not to venture in.

Wadis (valleys) in the country were also flooded. People have been advised against venturing into wadis due to fears of flash floods.

The daytime temperature has dipped and was expected to go down further on Tuesday night.

All main roads in most emirates were clogged yesterday, either due to water logging, accidents or vehicle breakdowns.

However, it's not all gloom, residents can expect bright sunny spells from tomorrow onwards.

- With inputs from Aftab Kazmi, Bureau Chief, and Abbas Al Lalwati, Staff Reporter