Residents warned to stay away from wadi areas

Dubai: Residents in the UAE are being warned to stay away from wadi areas for the rest of the week and into the weekend, because of a risk of flash flooding.

Wet weather conditions are set to continue for the rest of the week and into the weekend, with some risks of local flooding and large puddles collecting.

Clive Stephens, duty forecaster, Dubai Meteorological Office, said: "We have issued warnings for the airfields in Dubai and the Northern Emirates as lightning has been reported and thunderstorms have been developing over the sea. Most of the showers have been over the sea, but we can't rule out showers affecting mountain areas, so it's not advisable to go camping or to go near the Wadis."

Risk of showers

Dubai, along with the UAE, still has a risk of heavy showers and there is a chance of strong winds and thunder.

"This unusual weather pattern is caused because cold air has sunk down over Iran and it is slow-moving on all levels. The cold air is 10C colder than normal and it is freezing at only three kilometres above sea level. Showers are forming in the sea offshore and are running onto the Dubai coast," he said.

However, rainstorms are due to clear away by late on Sunday.

Temperatures will be a maximum 24C across the emirates, falling to 15-16C at night.

The Northern Emirates are likely to be more affected by the weather conditions, particularly in and around Ras Al Khaimah.

"This kind of weather is temporary and it doesn't normally affect air traffic too much, not like long-terms problems such as fog," Stephens said. Nabeel Mohammad Saleh, director of the Roads Department, RTA's Traffic and Roads Agency, previously said: "All motorists and road users are requested to exercise care while driving under rainy conditions. Emergency Team is working 24 hours a day and can be contacted by dialling 8009090."

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