UAE weather: fog alert issued with sunny day to come as skies clear

Foggy morning along the E11 highway in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Thick fog blanketed parts of the UAE early on Wednesday and police urged drivers to take care on the roads.

The murky weather, which affected areas inland of Abu Dhabi, is expected to lift by 9am, leading to a sunny day with cloudy at times.

Police in Abu Dhabi routinely reduce speed limits as a safety measure during bouts of low visibility caused by fog.

The force's social media accounts called on motorists to drive cautiously in hazardous road conditions.

The National Centre of Meteorology issued a fog alert on Wednesday morning.

Despite the unsettled conditions, temperatures are rising in the Emirates as the summer months draw near.

They will reach 28°C in Abu Dhabi city and 31°C Dubai, but it will be hotter in the south, where temperatures will reach as high as 37°C.

Winds will be light to moderate, picking up at times.

Conditions in the Arabian Gulf will start out moderate, becoming less choppy throughout the day. It will be calm in the Oman Sea.

The weather on Thursday will be similar, with highs of 30°C in the capital and 32°C in Dubai.

Temperatures will continue to rise throughout the rest of the week, reaching the mid-30s by the weekend.

Fog in the UAE - in pictures

Early morning fog causes low visibility in Dubai on January 13, 2022. Antonie Robertson / The National

The sun rises between the city's skyscrapers. Antonie Robertson / The National

Motorists cautiously begin their commute. Antonie Robertson / The National

As the fog clears a few clouds can be seen in the sky. Antonie Robertson / The National

A jogger enjoys the cooler temperatures. Antonie Robertson / The National

Fog covers the city's iconic buildings. Antonie Robertson / The National

Motorists make their way to work in the fog. Antonie Robertson / The National

It was also a hazy morning along the Al Gurm Corniche in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Gate Tower on Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, is pictured among the haze. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

The capital's Pineapple building stands tall as day breaks. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Abu Dhabi's skyline is just visible in the distance. Khushnum Bhandari / The National