Unsettled weather continues in UAE

Dubai: The met office is warning of unsettled weather with squally winds and chance of thunderstorms till the weekend, creating dusty conditions in open areas.

Motorists are warned to drive safely as the roads will be slippery and visibility will be low due to the dust storms at places.

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Abu Dhabi's Met office has also advised people to stay away from the water run-offs in valleys and not to venture out to sea. The waves are expected to go over six feet offshore.

No traffic accidents were reported during the sudden downpour on Sunday night but police have advised motorists not to use their hazards lights as it confuses the drivers behind.

Residents enjoying the weather on roof top restaurants said the lightning was awesome and many of the umbrellas started flying around in the fierce winds.

The Dubai met office said the weather will be unsettled, cloudy and hot till Thursday, with risk of isolated thunderstorms and squalls. The night temperature will drop to 26 degree Celsius.
 

Video: Storm hits Dubai
  

Doctors' advice 

With the nights getting cooler due to the rains and winds, doctors are advising people to be cautious because of the new strain of viruses that will crop up.

Dr Sameem Matto, specialist, internal medicine at the Canadian Specialist Hospital, said it is better to avoid crowded places. “The viruses thrive in these cooler climate,” he said. The doctor said people should also keep a distance from people already coughing and sneezing.

Clinics are also expecting an increase in the number of patients suffering from the sniffles. “A simple paracetamol with anti-allergens will work,” said the doctor. But he cautions against taking antibiotics. He however, notes that if the fever persists for more than five days to seek a doctor’s advise as it could be bacterial.

SAFE DRIVING TIPS DURING BAD WEATHER

• Check brakes work effectively, tyres are in good condition and tyre pressure is adequate
• Make sure windshield wiper blades are in good condition
• Washer reservoir must have sufficient water
• Check lights - headlights, brake, reverse, hazard and fog lights are working
• On the road be careful and attentive
• Always wear seatbelts
• Drive slower than normal
• Don't talk on your mobile phone while driving
• Turn on the headlights in heavy rain. Don't use the high beam
• Keep a greater distance from the vehicle in front of you
• Brake earlier and avoid swerving
• Stay in the same lane as much as possible
• Don't switch on your hazard lights except in an emergency situation
• Do not park under trees, electric poles, billboards or near construction sites
• In case of an emergency, set a hazard warning triangle a bit away from your car
• If your vehicle starts to skid, never apply brakes or turn the steering wheel. Ease off the acceleration and keep steering in the same direction

Driving during storms

• Keep an appropriate distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you
• Slow down and be aware of the road markers
• Avoid speeding and sudden braking
• During a storm don't park your car under trees, phone or electricity lines, billboards or buildings under construction
• Driving during rainy weather
• Avoid sudden braking which might result in the car skidding on the wet road
• If the car skids and you lose control, turn the wheel in the opposite direction the car is skidding
• If the car is sliding due to the use of car brakes, step gently on the brakes until the car comes to a halt

Driving in fog

• Drive slowly and well below the speed limit
• Double the space between your vehicle and vehicles ahead of you
• Park the car on the side of the road if visibility is too poor for driving
• Turn off emergency lights but keep fog lights switched on