The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) in the United Arab Emirates has issued new weather alerts following dust storms, rain, and even hail in some areas of the nation. Authorities have urged care, particularly for drivers, after residents of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the northern emirates reported poor visibility and slick roadways.
Major roadways were covered with thick dust in the early hours of Tuesday, and places including Al Ain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah reported sporadic rains and hail. The Met Office said the unstable weather is being driven by convective cloud activity, with similar conditions likely to persist over the next 48 hours.
The public is being advised by authorities to avoid valleys and flood-prone areas, stay indoors whenever possible, and slow down on highways. Because of the dramatic decline in air quality, parents are also being encouraged to keep an eye on their kids’ outside activities.
The abrupt change is especially upsetting because this unseasonable weather event occurs during a normally hot and dry July. Emergency services are still on standby, and the NCM is keeping a careful eye on events to deliver information in real time.
