UAE weather: Safety alert as thick fog blankets Abu Dhabi

Motorists urged to exercise caution on the roads due to hazardous conditions

Thick fog covers the Abu Dhabi skyline near the World Trade Centre on Tuesday morning. The National

A weather alert was issued on Tuesday morning after thick fog shrouded parts of Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi Police urged drivers to "exercise caution" in a notice on social media as fog rolling in across the capital hampered visibility on the roads.

The force cut the speed limit to 80 kph on Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed International Road – on the stretch between Abu Dhabi Industrial City, better known as Icad, and Al Arysm Bridge – due to the hazardous conditions.

Drivers contend with foggy conditions on Sheikh Khalifa Bridge in Abu Dhabi. The National

Police called on motorists to abide by temporary speed limits in place during the foggy weather.

Commuters reported traffic moving slowly on Sheikh Zayed Bridge shortly before 9am as drivers contended with poor visibility.

The National Centre of Meteorology reported bouts of fog over Abu Dhabi island, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island and Sheikh Khalifa Street, towards Al Jubail Island, the Corniche and Al Bateen Airport.

The fog is expected to persist until at least 9.15am on Tuesday, the weather bureau said.

The NCM said in its latest five-day weather bulletin that further fog was expected to blanket skies across the country in the days ahead.

The foggy weather was accompanied by a drop in temperatures on Tuesday morning as the winter season brings about a cold snap.

Fog in the UAE – in pictures

• 

  Fog blankets the UAE flag area on the Corniche in Abu Dhabi. All photos: Victor Besa / The National

• 

  A fog warnings are often issued during the hazardous weather

• 

  Abu Dhabi Police cut speed limits to on some roads as a safety precaution due to reduced visibility

• 

  Hazy weather often occurs over a number of days

• 

  Fog in the Emirates can be accompanied sometimes by forecast of rain or a dip in temperature