Heavy rain experienced in parts of UAE, motorists urged to exercise caution

Emadeddin Khalil, Staff Reporter

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) issued a report indicating that the northern areas of the country have experienced heavy to moderate rainfall. The affected areas include Al Madam, Nizwa, Al Bateeh, Al Fayeh, Mleiha Road, Ibn Rashid in Sharjah, and Wadi Al Naqab in Ras Al Khaimah, Emirates Road towards Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain.

The NCM has reported that the heavy rainfall in the northern regions has led to the surface run-offs.

It further cited the formation of cumulus clouds accompanied by precipitation and strong winds, which occasionally resulted in the suspension of dust and sand particles, with speeds reaching up to 45 km/h. This reduced the horizontal visibility to less than 3,000 metres in some eastern and northern parts from one 1:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Sunday, the NCM added.

Earlier, the NCM has forecast the probability of cumulus clouds accompanied by precipitation and active winds, at times exceeding 45 km/h, resulting in the suspension of dust particles in the atmosphere, with horizontal visibility reduced to less than 3,000 metres in some eastern and northern regions between 1 pm and 8 pm today, Sunday.

In view of the inclement weather, the Abu Dhabi Police have advised the public to exercise caution and to adhere to the revised speed limits as indicated on electronic signage and road signs.

In detail, the NCM predicted that today's weather, Sunday, would be characterised by clear to partly cloudy conditions, with the potential for the formation of cumulus clouds in the afternoon in the east and north, which could extend to some inland and southern areas.

These clouds would be accompanied by precipitation, with winds expected to be light to moderate in speed, occasionally strong.

This could lead to a decrease in horizontal visibility, and sea conditions would be characterised by light to medium waves, which could occasionally disturb Monday morning in the northern Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. Furthermore, the NCM stated that the weather on Monday would be partly cloudy to occasionally overcast, with the potential for the formation of cumulus clouds in the eastern and northern parts, which could extend to some inland and southern areas.

These clouds would be accompanied by precipitation, and there would be a slight decrease in temperatures.

The winds would be southeasterly to northeasterly, with speeds ranging from light to moderate, and they could occasionally be strong.

These winds would cause dust and dust particles, which could lead to a decrease in horizontal visibility and its speed from 15 to 30 up to 45 km/h. Additionally, the sea would be turbulent to medium waves in the Arabian Gulf and medium to light waves in the Sea of Oman.

The NCM also forecast that the weather on Tuesday would be clear to partly cloudy, with the potential for the formation of cumulus clouds in the eastern and southern parts, which may be accompanied by precipitation. Additionally, winds are anticipated to blow from the southeast to northeast, reaching speeds of 10 to 25 km/h, with occasional gusts up to 35 km/h.

The sea is expected to be calm in the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. In regard to Wednesday's weather, the NCM has forecast that conditions will be clear to partly cloudy, particularly in the eastern areas, with the possibility of precipitation at night and on Thursday morning in coastal and inland areas. Winds are expected to be southwesterly to northeasterly, with speeds ranging from 10 to 25 km/h, and sea conditions are anticipated to be light in the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.