UAE weather forecast: dust alert issued with heavy rain forecast in east and north

But downpours across the country are expected to be less severe than had been predicted

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is shrouded on Monday as dusty conditions linger on. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

A road sign cautions over sandy weather in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

A hazy start to the day on the Corniche in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Louvre Abu Dhabi on an unsettled morning in the capital. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Abu Dhabi faced more dusty weather on Monday. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Poor visibility along Sheikh Khalifa Bridge, Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Sand storms reduced visibility in Abu Dhabi, with large buildings barely visible in the thick haze. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Reduced visibility along the Corniche, Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

A sandstorm reduces visibility in the capital. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Sandstorm affecting visibility in the capital. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Qasr Al Watan covered in dust, Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Dust storm in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Dust storm in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Reduced visibility during a dust storm in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

A safety warning was delivered to people in Abu Dhabi on Monday afternoon as dust storms hampered visibility for a second day in a row.

The National Centre of Meteorology urged those in parts of the capital worst hit by the thick haze to be "extremely vigilant" until at least 8pm.

It issued a red alert for parts of the capital, forecasting "weather events of exceptional severity".

A orange notice was placed on large parts of the emirate, as well as Dubai.

This called for members of the public to remain on alert over "hazardous weather" caused by the dusty skies.

Winds of up to 40 kilometres per hour have kicked up sand and dust which has clung in the air, obscuring city skylines and making for challenging driving conditions.

Sand storms sweeping across the country over the past two days led to the cancellation of 44 flights and 122 diversions at Dubai International Airport.

Passengers planning to fly from the UAE this week are being urged to monitor schedules for any more potential disruption caused by poor weather and visibility.

Operations were largely unaffected at Dubai International on Monday morning, despite blowing sand and dust blanketing much of the city and visibility falling to only 500 metres in some areas.

Several flights from Dubai were delayed by about 50 minutes on Monday morning but disruption caused by the weather was kept to a minimum.

“Dubai Airports can confirm that operations at Dubai International (DXB) are currently recovering to normal following the extensive weather delays in the region over the past two days,” an airport representative said.

Wet weather not as severe as feared

Earlier, the NCM said rain forecast for across the UAE this week would not be as severe as had been predicted.

The NCM said on Sunday that the low-pressure weather system expected to affect the country has become less severe.

But some areas of the country will experience heavy downpours, weather officials said.

The centre gave the update in a daily co-ordination meeting between branches of the authorities.

It said the latest data indicated the pressure system was moving south, meaning that its impact on the country is set to be more limited.

The NCM said there is the possibility of light to moderate rainfall in many areas, heavy rainfall across the east — including Al Ain — and northern parts of the country, plus the Al Dhafra region in the west.

It said there will be moderate south-easterly winds carrying dust.

Authorities said they were prepared for possible scenarios and changes.

The Dusty conditions will continue for the coming days, with strong winds persisting.

Rain is also expected to cause a drop in temperatures in the second part of the week.

“Partly cloudy to cloudy and dusty at times, with a chance of convective clouds formation eastward and southward by afternoon, associated with rainfall. Light to moderate winds, freshening at times causing blowing and suspended dust and sand,” the NCM said in its forecast for Monday.

A similar forecast has been issued for every day this week, with a drop in temperatures expected on Thursday and Friday.