Unsettled weather to continue in UAE

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. Precautions Warning: The national weather bureau has advised residents of internal areas to protect themselves from suspended dust. Similarly, the falling night time temperatures, particularly in the western, northern, and coastal areas of the country, also call for appropriate precautions. The centre has also advised people to stay away from the sea as it is very rough with high waves that can be dangerous for small boats, fishing trawlers, and other small vessels in both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Health: Clinics across the country have been reporting a surge of patients complaining of dust allergies and other respiratory problems. Young and elderly people who have asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and other lung conditions have been advised to stay indoors and avoid going out in dusty conditions, said Dr Riaz Ahmad Minhas, an internal medicine specialist at Emirates Clinic and Medical Services Centre in Al Ain. Traffic: Horizontal visibility is likely to be affected at times in some internal areas causing problems for drivers. The National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology and traffic police have advised people to take precautions, especially at night and early in the morning. Traffic police have advised that drivers can have better control of their vehicles by slowing down in windy conditions and by maintaining proper distance from other cars on the road.