UAE weather: high winds cause sandstorm to descend on Abu Dhabi

There is a chance of more rain throughout the week, the NCM has said

The sandstorm has reduced visibility on the E12 highway in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Abu Dhabi police have urged motorists to drive with caution during the sandstorm that has descended on the capital.

Authorities issued the warning on social media, urging motorists not to take videos on their phones to record the storm that has been caused by high winds in the emirate.

"Abu Dhabi Police urges drivers to be cautious due to low visibility during high winds and dust," the force said in a tweet.

"And for your safety and for the safety of others on the road, please do not be distracted by taking any videos or using your phone."

Moderate winds were expected to blow dust during the day in the emirate, a forecast issued by the National Centre of Meteorology showed.

This is due to a weather system sweeping in from the Red Sea and southern Iran, which will be accompanied by humid winds, the NCM said.

In an updated warning issued on Tuesday afternoon, the NCM said winds with speeds of 40 kilometres per hour were blowing dust and reducing visibility to less than 1,000 metres in Liwa, Al Dhafra region.

Earlier, the NCM said temperatures will reach 41°C in Abu Dhabi city and 38°C in Dubai on Tuesday.

It could rain in the west, east and interior.

Parts of Sharjah were hit by heavy rain and hail on Sunday and more showers fell on Monday in Sharjah and Fujairah.

There is a chance of more rain throughout the week, the NCM said.

This is due to a weather system sweeping in from the Red Sea and southern Iran, which will be accompanied by humid winds, NCM said.

From Wednesday evening to Friday it will be partly cloudy with a chance of rain, especially in the west and south, extending over some areas on the coast and islands.

Temperatures will remain around 40°C to 41°C until Friday, when they will fall to 39°C in Abu Dhabi city and 35°C in Dubai.

Rain in the UAE - in pictures

A rainbow at Expo 2020 Dubai on a cloudy, rainy day for much of the country from Abu Dhabi city to the Northern Emirates on Sunday, January 16. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A worker shelters beneath an umbrella in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Downtown Dubai awoke to rain. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Showers in Jumeirah, Dubai, made a day at the beach unappetising. Ruel Pableo for The National

Cyclists brave the weather in Deira. Ruel Pableo for The National

A car park in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Showers in Abu Dhabi on Sunday morning. Victor Besa / The National

Police urged drivers to take care on the roads as rain fell across the UAE. Victor Besa / The National

Temperatures were expected to reach a maximum of 26°C in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Rain on Al Reem Island in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Showers fell on various parts of Abu Dhabi before sunrise. Victor Besa / The National

People make their way to work during the rain on Sunday morning. Victor Besa / The National

Forecasters said it would rain throughout the day. Victor Besa / The National

It has been an exceptionally wet start to 2022 for the UAE, with more than 18 months' worth of rain falling in only a few days earlier in the month. Victor Besa / The National

Almost the entire Abu Dhabi emirate was blanketed in dense fog at the weekend. Victor Besa / The National

People make their way on a street in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

A man crosses a road in the capital. Victor Besa / The National

Many people were wearing warm clothes, as chilly temperatures accompanied the rains. Victor Besa / The National

A man rides an electric bike in the rain. Victor Besa / The National

Women make their way amid the rains. Victor Besa / The National

An almost deserted beach in Abu Dhabi during the wet weather. Victor Besa / The National