Abu Dhabi Police urge motorists to observe changing speed limits amid foggy conditions.
Dubai: Thick fog covered parts of Abu Dhabi on Wednesday morning, prompting the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) to issue red and yellow fog alerts across large areas of the emirate. The warnings come ahead of unsettled weather that could bring rain to parts of the UAE through Saturday.
The NCM alert, which remained in effect until 9am on Wednesday, covered much of Abu Dhabi’s inland region, including Liwa, Hameem, Razeen and Nahil, as well as parts of Al Ain and areas near the Dubai border. Residents were warned that horizontal visibility could deteriorate significantly and drop further at times.
Abu Dhabi Police activated speed reduction systems on several major roads, lowering the speed limit to 80km/h on the Abu Dhabi–Al Ain road between Al Saad Bridge and Al Amerah Bridge, and on Sweihan Road between Al Shamkha Bridge and the Zayed Military City roundabout.
The reduced speed limit was also activated on Umm Al Zumoul Road between Al Quaa and Bu Qrayh. Motorists were urged to observe the changing speed limits, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and remain alert to road conditions.
Rain on the horizon
Rain is possible in parts of the UAE from Wednesday through Saturday, with temperatures expected to reach 38°C, humidity levels rising to 90 per cent and winds occasionally raising dust, according to the NCM.
Showers are expected mainly across eastern and northern parts of the country, including areas around Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah’s east coast, as well as mountainous regions.
Wednesday’s weather is forecast to be fair to partly cloudy, with convective clouds likely to develop over eastern and northern areas, potentially bringing rainfall.
The NCM said the unsettled conditions are associated with a weak surface pressure system and an extension of a weak upper-level low-pressure system.
Despite the possibility of showers, daytime temperatures are expected to remain high. Inland areas could see highs of 35°C to 38°C, while coastal areas and islands are forecast to record 33°C to 36°C. Temperatures in mountainous regions are expected to range between 23°C and 31°C.
Humidity levels could reach 90 per cent in coastal and inland areas overnight and into Thursday morning, increasing the likelihood of further fog or mist. Winds are expected to be light to moderate, occasionally strengthening to around 35km/h. Sea conditions will range from slight to moderate in the Arabian Gulf and remain slight in the Oman Sea.
Rain chances through Saturday
Thursday is expected to remain partly cloudy, with convective clouds developing over eastern and northern areas in the afternoon, bringing the possibility of rainfall. Humidity will rise again overnight and into Friday morning in some coastal areas, while winds could reach 35km/h.
More rain is possible across eastern and northern parts of the country on Friday. Winds may strengthen to 40km/h, potentially stirring up dust and reducing visibility.
On Saturday, convective clouds could develop over eastern areas during the afternoon, bringing another chance of showers. Winds are forecast to reach speeds of up to 35km/h.
By Sunday, conditions are expected to be fair to partly cloudy, with some cloud cover over northern and eastern areas. The NCM has not indicated any rainfall for the day.
