Rain expected to hit northern parts of the UAE

After Thursday's hot and dusty conditions, the temperature is expected to drop tomorrow, with chances of rain in the northern regions, forecasters said yesterday. A shift in the wind direction and low- and high-pressure conditions over the region are likely to cause the fluctuations. Forecasters, however, said this is not unusual or extraordinary for this time of year. "Climatic studies suggest that this situation is one of the common patterns in the month of February, especially during the second half, when this pressure system usually [sees] rising dust at the beginning and ends with rainfall in most cases," said the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS). The centre said low pressure extending from the south-west has been affecting the Emirates since yesterday. The south-westerly winds have pushed the mercury gradually up to warm to relatively hot levels. Rough seas The winds will kick up sand and dust in most parts of the country over the next two days, especially today. Low visibility will affect various parts of the country with dusty conditions in general, the NCMS said. This southern wind will move towards the sea, making it rough at times in both the Arabian Gulf and Sea of Oman. The conditions are expected to change from tomorrow evening. Cooler, strong northerly winds are likely to enter the country due to an expected high pressure extension from the north of Saudi Arabia tomorrow evening. The development is likely to create low pressure over Iran from where cooler winds will push into the UAE, the national weather bureau said. Strong north-westerly winds are expected to blow over the western coastal area that will gradually reach other areas tomorrow night. They will cause a gradual and significant fall in temperature. "This decrease will stretch until next Tuesday morning," the NCMS said.