Unsettled weather to continue across UAE, with some rain

Al Ain: The weather will continue to be unsettled across the country, with temperatures falling significantly and winds kicking up dust in internal areas. Those going out to sea along both the western and eastern coasts can expect choppy conditions.

The weather has changed rather suddenly since Saturday night, with strong and dusty south-easterly winds and warm temperatures giving way to strong north-westerly (Shamal) winds and a significant fall in temperature. Rain has also been reported in some northern and eastern areas.

The sharp fluctuation, said forecasters, has been caused by shifting wind directions and low and high pressures forming over the region. Forecasters, however, say such weather is normal at this time of year.

Contrasting weather patterns are common in February, especially during the second half of the month, as surface and atmospheric pressure systems first generate strong winds that kick up dust and then are followed by cooler winds and rain.

A low-pressure area has formed over Iran that has been pushing cooler winds into the UAE and other GCC countries. Strong north-westerly wind is generating waves of 8 to 10 feet in the Arabian Gulf along the western coast. The situation is not much different on the eastern coast where strong south-easterly winds have been causing waves of 5 to 8 feet.

The National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) also reported a surge in the sea in Kalba yesterday, especially in the mangroves.

The centre expects a surge in the Shamal wind speed today and tomorrow but it is not likely to raise much dust. Suspended dust and sand, however, continue to cause discomfort for people in internal areas.

Some 6.8mm of rain fell yesterday in Dhudna and a light drizzle in parts of Dibba and Fujairah. The weather will continue to be partly cloudy in general in the next 48 hours with strong winds in most of the areas, especially over the sea.

The maximum temperature range reported yesterday was 15 to 32 degrees Celsius in coastal areas, 14 to 35 in internal areas, and 10 to 21 in the mountains.