A 72-hour weather alert has been issued by the UAE’s National Center of Meteorology as Shamal winds blow fiercely over the region, making conditions risky until Friday. The residents should prepare themselves for:
Immediate Impacts
Dust Storms: Less than 500m visibility in open spaces
Rough Seas: Waves up to 8ft off the Dubai/Sharjah coastlines
Driving Hazards: Strong winds gusting up to 45km/h blowing cars
Affected Areas:
• Most severe: Western Region (Liwa, Al Dhafra)
• Major cities: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah
• Maritime warning: Persian Gulf and Oman Sea
Safety Measures:
– Keep asthma medications handy
– Secure outdoor furniture
– Mariners advised to stay in port
– Use low-beam headlights when driving
Expert Insight:
“This is the first major dust event of the season,” says NCM forecaster Ahmed Habib. “The combination of wind direction and dry soil creates perfect storm conditions.”
Visual Guide Needed:
Wind patterns and most impacted areas map would assist residents in evaluating local hazards.
Bottom Line:
Although the UAE is accustomed to desert weather, this system’s unprecedented longevity requires additional precautions. As they say in the Gulf: “When the sand rises, wisdom stays grounded.”
