Visibility dips as strong winds kick up dust across the UAE

Al Ain: Strong winds yesterday blew dust and sand into the air, reducing visibility considerably across the country and pushing down the mercury a few degrees.

The winds have been coming from the north-west direction to the emirates.

An atmospheric high pressure over Saudi Arabia has been sucking in winds from a low pressure over Iran.

The phenomenon has been disturbing the weather conditions over the Arabian Peninsula, said weathermen.

The winds were gusty at time particularly in the western areas of Abu Dhabi emirate where they reached a speed of 65km/h, according to the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS).

Meteorologists said wind had been kicking up sand. Fine particles have been suspended in the air and visibility has gone down to just 300 metres in the western area. The NCMS also advised people to stay away from the sea since conditions are very rough with waves as high as 11 to 15 feet at times.

Visibility was also considerably low in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and some other cities and the NCMS warned people driving on highways to take proper care and reduce speed.

The forecaster said the chance of rain also exist in some areas.

According to Dubai Meteorological Office, the winds blew at a speed of 15 to 20 knots in general and got up to a gust speed of 30 knots at times.

Conditions will remain hazy and dusty today and are expected to continue until tomorrow afternoon.

The conditions created difficulty for motorists on the highways and forced people to stay indoors, particularly those with asthma.

February is the one of the windiest months in the UAE with regular Shamals affecting the Gulf.