Unexpected rain brings cheer, traffic jams

Dubai: A downpour in Dubai and Northern Emirates on Wednesday resulted in traffic congestions on all main roads.

But the heavy rains were welcomed by residents, many of whom could be seen in the open with colourful umbrellas. Others preferred to get drenched in the rain and were seen walking in ankle-deep water in some places.

"This place is a desert and rain is always appreciated. But people should avoid sitting in open areas where they could be struck by lightning. I know of a person who was electrocuted a few months in a Toronto park as he took shelter under a tree," said Salman Saeed, a Canadian expatriate.

For Mateen Saeed, a university student in Sharjah, the rain brought feelings of peace.

"It was very nice and relaxing to witness the rain. The weather has become so beautiful. It reminds me of my home country. It got quite chilly and students were walking from one building to another despite the downpour," he said.

According to the Dubai Met Office, isolated showers and thunderstorms could hit the coast and some interior parts of Dubai and the northern emirate on Thursday.

"On and off showers will continue today and it will settle down on Friday afternoon when it will turn sunny," Harriet Williams, duty forecaster, said.

"Rain is not unusual during this time of the year and is caused by the north-westerly winds when they come to the Gulf, developing in to unstable cold air," she said. The Dubai International Airport yesterday recorded 4.6 mm of rain. Wind speed today afternoon will be around 10 to 15 knots, with partly cloudy skies.

The minimum temperature is expected to be 16C with a maximum of 22C. The humidity is expected to be at 70 per cent.

Are you looking forward to the rains? Have you made any changes to your weekend plans? What do you like to do when it rains? Which is your best memory? Fill in the form bellow to send your comments.

I wish the weather would always stay like that. It is simply amazing.
Ayman
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 18, 2008, 12:53

Due to heavy rains, the National Paints roundabout was blocked. I hope something will be done to solve this problem
Akhtar
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: December 18, 2008, 11:55

I was supposed to go with my friends on a desert safari but because of the unexpected rain we had to stay in our flat, where we had a party. I remember when I was in the Philippines, during rains, my family and I would stay together in the house, cook some food and play Scrabble.
Adel Calayag
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 18, 2008, 10:07

When it is raining heavily outside, it is best to stay in the comfort of your home and rent DVDs with a hot cup of coffee and savouries (Bhajiyas). I think rain makes us spend more quality time with our families - playing games, making popcorn and watching movies could be a lot of fun on a rainy day.
Naina Nair
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: December 18, 2008, 09:52