Weathermen say scattered rain expected across country

Al Ain/Dubai: Scattered rain is expected in the next two days as a low pressure system moves towards the country.

Weathermen said the cold winds associated with the system will also drop the maximum temperature to 19 degrees celsius on Wednesday and Thursday. The rain is, however, expected to be light.

Amnah Yaseen, a duty forecaster at Dubai Meteorological Office, comforts residents with the news that the rain could be light.

The National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) said it will be cloudy with moderate winds. There are chances of dust-raising winds and the sea will be moderately rough at times with three to six feet high waves offshore.

Dubai and Sharjah recorded the highest ever rainfall in January last week, inundating the emirates with more than 108mm of rain. The rain and improper drainage systems made commuting near impossible. Many residents are still getting their vehicle engines cleaned and dried after driving through water-logged roads.

According to the NCMS, more chances of rain are expected in the northern parts of the emirates.

The maximum temperature was recorded on Tuesday at 25 degree celsius in Al Ain, followed by 24 degree celsius in Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, and Umm Al Quwain recorded 23 degrees celsius.

Strategy: 'drainage pipes emptied'

Municipalities are ready to tackle the rain expected on Wednesday.

An emergency team at the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is all set to cope with emergencies arising from the rain. "We have been coordinating with the municipality and also our contractors to clear roads of rain water," said a spokesperson.

A team at the Drainage and Irrigation Department of the Dubai Municipality has geared up to cope with the situation arising out of any expected rains, said an official.

"We have been cleaning drains and maintaining water pumping machines to clear rain water," he added. He said that an action team has already been set up to deal with any emergency situation.

Abdul Aziz Al Mansouri, Deputy Manager, Drainage Department at Sharjah Municipality, said that trenches have been placed in the low lying areas and that all the damaged diesel pumps have been repaired and are currently operating normally.

"The drainage pipes were blocked last week but they have now all been emptied. All the critical areas which suffered from last week's rain have diesel pumps on standby," he said. The affected areas include Emirates Road, Industrial Area 10, Sharjah Ring Road and Al Ramaqia.

A senior RAK municipal official said tens of water pumping vehicles have been put in place to handle any emergency.

An emergency plan is in place covering the entire emirate.

- Mariam M. Al Serkal, Staff Reporter