UAE weather: alert issued as dust storm to continue into evening

Temperatures rise as sand storm sweeps country

The Burj Khalifa can barely be seen on a hazy overcast day in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The top of Almas Tower can be seen in JLT on a hazy overcast day in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The Marina can barely be seen on a hazy overcast day in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

People kayak at Deira Island under an overcast sky and dusty weather. Pawan Singh / The National

Dusty weather with wind in Dubai reduces visibility along Sheikh Zayed Road. Antonie Robertson / The National

Dusty weather with wind in Dubai reduces visibility along Sheikh Zayed Road. Antonie Robertson / The National

A sandstorm sweeps over Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National

A standstorm prompts a weather warning from authorities. Antonie Robertson / The National

Grey skies as a sandstorm sweeps over Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National

Residents sheild themselves from the sun and dust as a sandstorm sweeps over the country. Antonie Robertson / The National

Forecasters issued a weather warning on Saturday afternoon after a dust storm swept the country throughout the day.

Sandy skies were expected to persist into the evening, with temperatures rising by almost 10°C throughout the day as a result of the storm.

The highest temperature recorded across the country was 38°C in Al Ain at 2pm.

The National Centre of Meteorology issued a yellow Be Aware warning across most of the country, telling Emiratis and residents to "be on the lookout" if they are involved in outdoor activities.

Forecasters also issued an orange Be Prepared alert along the northern coast, from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah, and along the coast of Abu Dhabi emirate, from Al Sila to Al Mirfa.

The orange alert warns of hazardous weather events and calls on the public to comply with advice issued by authorities.

The dust storm reduced visibility along motorways, prompting another warning from authorities to motorists.

Videos of sand covering the roads in Khor Fakkan were shared on social media.

Gusty winds of up to 50kph were reported across the country, particularly out to sea.

By Sunday, conditions are expected to improve with temperatures decreasing again. Humidity will rise over night leading to fog formation in the early morning on Monday.