The UAE was hit with all the trappings of a summer storm yesterday, with rain accompanied by thunder and lightning in parts of the country, a sandstorm raging in the late afternoon and visibility down to 500 meters in some areas.
A lightning strike also caused a fire in Al Ain, which was quickly extinguished by civil defense teams.
Photo: Joseph George
Meanwhile, the UAE’s National Center for Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) said the low-pressure system is expected to continue for another 24 hours, with more rain expected to fall in the country’s east and scattered dust storms expected to continue into the early hours of Tuesday. There is. evening.
An NCMS spokesperson said: Emirates 24|7: “This weather will continue at intervals for the next 24 hours, due to a low pressure system centered over the south-west of the UAE.
“As the upper trough accelerated, surface winds reached speeds of up to 45-50 km/h, blowing up mud and reducing visibility in parts of the country.”
Photo: Muna Ahmad
“However, rain will continue on Tuesday due to a surge in convective clouds, mainly in eastern areas near Fujairah and south of Al Ain,” the spokesperson added.
Click here for photos and videos of yesterday’s Al Ain storm
thunderstorm
As wind speeds increased on Monday afternoon, light to moderate rain fell in parts of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, with the Garden City bearing the brunt of the storm, with lightning strikes causing small fires.
Despite high winds and reduced visibility caused by sandstorms causing traffic chaos and uprooting of trees, the country’s National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Commission NCMEA has put in place a series of measures to withstand the stormy conditions. issued a warning.
“If you are in a car and experience strong winds, please exit your vehicle and seek shelter in the nearest safe location. Park your vehicle in a safe location to avoid damage from the storm,” the organization said on Twitter. please.
“Kids with respiratory illnesses, asthma, or allergies should be kept home unless it’s an emergency. Don’t let them play outside the home.”
NCEMA continues: “Make sure tools in your home and garden are stored safely. Close all windows securely and use wooden planks to support windows. Weather Forecast, Official Media, Social Media Listen and watch our website.”
Maritime warning issued
Despite neighboring Oman bearing the brunt of the summer storms, the NCMS has also issued a marine warning for the UAE, warning fishermen of rough seas and high waves of over 6 feet, with the possibility of high waves hitting the Kalba coast. I warned you.
A spokesperson for the NCMS said: “Water flooding is not expected in any parts of the country, but we have issued a maritime warning for the Arabian Gulf and Sea of Oman until Tuesday, warning of high waves and rough seas.” Ta.
Has summer ended?
As the country reeled from the unusual storm, many people took to social media to wonder if the rain was a sign that summer was finally coming to an end.
NCMS said: “Historically August is a month of cooling down from the intense heat of July, but that is not the case this year. Sunday’s maximum temperature reached 49.5 degrees in Sweihan, while Al Shaab remained near 49 degrees. , Zayed City was one degree lower.
The spokesperson added: “Temperatures have been nearing 50 degrees Celsius in inland areas of the country in recent days, and this will continue until we approach September, when the average Mercury temperature will drop by 3 degrees Celsius. It will happen,” he said. ”
