Sandstorm rages across the UAE

Strong southern winds kicked up sand and dust across the UAE on Sunday. Motorists, trying to reach their destinations on time, were seen struggling to negotiate their way through strong wind and dust. Dubai Roads and Transport Authority's signboards alerted motorists to slow down and drive carefully as road visibility dipped drastically. Many schoolchildren and office-goers, back after a weekend, were seen huddled in street corners waiting for their transport to arrive. The sandstorm is being triggered by southern winds originating due to low surface pressure developed over northern Saudi Arabia, according to the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS). According to NCMS, temperature levels are expected to drop across the country on Sunday. The weather centre has also urged people to stay away from the sea as the strong winds of 25 kilometers per hour will make the sea rough. According to NCMS, southerly wind will give way to northwesterly winds later on Sunday, affecting the western areas, and gradually extend towards rest of the areas, with a fall in day temperatures. NCMS forecast for Monday: Partly cloudy to fair weather in general, with another fall in day temperatures. The wind speed will gradually decrease, becoming fresh to moderate at first, with rough sea and wave height 4ft to 6ft offshore, becoming moderate to light by evening, with moderate sea and 3ft to 5ft offshore, and the relative humidity will increase during night and early morning times over the internal areas, with a chance of mist/fog formation.