Dust and humidity expected in UAE

Al Ain: Another significant drop in temperature is likely today as shamal (north-westerly) winds continue to blow across the country.

The windy and dusty conditions are likely to subside by the afternoon and the mercury will start climbing again.

The temperature has dropped to 36 degrees Celsius in the coastal areas from 44C.

The winds are blowing fine dust from the dry marshlands of Iraq across the Arabian Peninsula and into the UAE and some parts of Oman.

Strong winds also stirred up sand and dust locally and a sandstorm hit parts of Saudi Arabia.

Dusty winds

"It was widespread from the eastern Levant up to the Gulf of Oman," said a forecaster who noted that it was caused by a low-pressure system near Iraq.

People in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and other UAE cities have endured windblown dust since Wednesday evening. Conditions were also dusty in Al Ain but they had cleared by yesterday morning.

Most of the coastal cities, however, continue to be windy.

The fall in temperature was due to the north-westerly winds and conditions are expected to alter sharply with a change in the wind direction expected from tomorrow, said the forecasters.

People in Dubai enjoyed the evening weather.

But those suffering from dust allergies and asthma faced difficulties as many were seen wearing masks in the open. Visibility also dropped in many areas and forecasters have not yet withdrawn the warning to motorists on the roads and highways passing through deserts and open land areas.

Water warning

The National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) continues to warn fishermen and weekend sea travellers to stay away from the water as it is rough with waves several feet high.

The centre yesterday recorded seven and 5-foot waves close to the Arzana and Zarkou islands in the Arabian Gulf.

According to the NCMS forecast, the weather will be hazy in general across the country today and become hot again tomorrow.

Fresh to strong winds will blow, especially over the sea, which may kick up dust and sand, resulting in poor visibility.

Some areas will continue to face suspended dust in the air.

The humidity is likely to increase this morning and tonight in internal and coastal areas.