Sandy winds and humidity lower the comfort index

Al Ain: Winds kicked up dust and sand in most coastal areas including Dubai yesterday, reducing visibility in the already scattered cloudy conditions.

The winds, which are coming from the north-west, also brought moisture to the coastal areas. Increased humidity, dusty conditions, and high temperatures measuring up to 43C had lowered the human comfort index in Dubai, Sharjah and other coastal cities, weather watchers said.

In its daily weather bulletin, the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) did not forecast chances of rain anywhere in the country.

The centre said conditions would become partly cloudy at times in some areas, especially to the east and north. By afternoon, clouds may become towering over the mountainous areas. The NCMS has not issued any warning.

Saturated with moisture

A forecaster said the winds would remain moderately rough in general, blowing dust and sands about the coastal and open areas in the next 48 hours. "The winds are coming from over the Arabian Gulf and are saturated with moisture," he said, noting that the level of humidity was expected to increase.

The NCMS said hot and hazy weather will continue in general during the day time all over the country with occasional partly cloudy conditions in some areas in the next two days. Sea is also expected to be moderately rough.

The forecaster said a trail of clouds has been extended from India and Pakistan to northern Africa via Arabian Gulf and Oman. Most of Oman is under the clouds and some of its areas have also received showers. He said temperature has dropped a few degrees in the emirates but it is still very hot and dangerous for prolonged outdoor activities.

Yesterday the maximum high temperature remained between 28C to 42C in the coastal areas, 26C to 47C in the interior, and 25C to 35C in the mountainous areas.