Motorists and outdoor workers across the United Arab Emirates are being warned to prepare for significantly reduced visibility due to widespread fog and dust expected through the weekend. The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) has issued advisories forecasting dense fog conditions starting Thursday morning, particularly on external highways, alongside persistent dust stirred by strong winds. These conditions are anticipated to continue nightly through Sunday, impacting travel and outdoor activities.
The affected areas include coastal regions and internal areas across the UAE, with the most severe visibility reductions anticipated during the early morning hours. The NCM reports that elevated nighttime humidity will contribute to fog formation, while a shift in wind patterns will exacerbate dust levels. Residents can expect fair to partly cloudy daytime conditions, but these will be offset by the challenges presented by reduced air quality and potentially hazardous driving conditions.
Understanding the Forecast: Reduced Visibility and Weather Patterns
The primary concern remains the dense fog, which is expected to form shortly after dawn each day through Sunday. This fog is a result of increased humidity levels combined with cooling temperatures overnight. Motorists are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution, reduce speed, and maintain safe following distances. The NCM specifically highlights that external highways will be most susceptible to these hazardous conditions.
Impact on Road Travel
Reduced visibility due to fog drastically increases the risk of accidents. Drivers should ensure headlights are on and fog lights are used where appropriate. The authorities urge motorists to check traffic updates before commencing journeys and to postpone travel if conditions are particularly poor. Motorists should also be aware of potential delays due to slower traffic flow.
Alongside the fog, strong winds are contributing to significantly reduced air quality. The winds, predominantly from the northeast to northwest, are forecast to be fresh on Thursday and Friday, reaching speeds of up to 40km/h, especially in western areas. This will stir up significant amounts of dust, affecting visibility beyond the fog concerns. These winds are expected to remain light to moderate on Saturday and Sunday, though still capable of raising dust, particularly in northern and eastern areas.
The Arabian Gulf will experience moderate to rough sea conditions, particularly on the western side, due to these winds. The Oman Sea, however, is anticipated to remain relatively calm, with slight sea conditions throughout the period. Maritime activities may be impacted; sailors and fishermen should consult the latest marine forecasts before heading out to sea.
Temperature Trends and Cooler Conditions
While daytime temperatures will remain relatively comfortable, generally ranging from 28°C to 31°C across the UAE, a gradual decrease is expected over the weekend. This cooling trend will be most noticeable in coastal areas beginning Friday. The slight temperature drop offers a welcome respite from the recent warmer conditions.
However, the most significant shift will be in minimum temperatures. Internal and mountainous regions are expected to see overnight lows dropping to between 16°C and 19°C by Saturday and Sunday. This could lead to cooler mornings and evenings, particularly in desert and elevated areas. This change in temperature is a typical seasonal transition, marking a move away from the peak summer heat. Cooler temperatures are also expected to help with the fog formation, due to the increased temperature difference between air and ground temperatures.
Residents with respiratory conditions, such as asthma, should take precautions during periods of high dust concentration. The Ministry of Health advises keeping windows closed and using air purifiers to minimize exposure. Stay informed about air quality index (AQI) updates in your area.
Looking ahead, the NCM is continuing to monitor the weather situation closely. The forecast for early next week currently indicates a potential continuation of these conditions, though with possible variations in intensity. Further updates and refined forecasts will be issued as the weekend progresses, and residents are encouraged to stay informed via official channels for the latest information regarding visibility and weather conditions. The conditions are subject to change, and the precise timing and extent of fog and dust remain uncertain.
