UAE weather: significant drop in temperatures expected as gusty winds persist

Temperatures as low as 13°C expected in coastal emirates with waves of up to two metres possible

The Abu Dhabi skyline. Delores Johnson / The National

Temperatures are expected to "significantly drop" across the Emirates over the coming five days as gusty winds persist and the sky remains overcast.

The National Centre of Meteorology said the strong winds reported in parts of the country, including Abu Dhabi, on Thursday night, would persist on Friday and reach up to 60kph.

Beachgoers could expect very rough seas with waves of up to two metres high forecast by the coast and up to three metres offshore. The choppy waters prompted a weather warning for seafarers heading out to the Gulf of Oman.

Temperatures will drop as low as 13°C along the coastal emirates and lower still, to 8°C, farther inland. The mountainous regions of the country will be colder yet with a minimum temperature of 6°C.

At their height, temperatures will reach 24°C on the coast, 26°C inland and 16°C in the mountains. Dubai is likely to hit 23°C while in Abu Dhabi the maximum is forecast to be 22°C.

By Saturday, dust and suspended sand will begin sweeping across the country, particularly in the northern areas of the Emirates. Strong winds of up to 45kph will remain and the Arabian Gulf and Sea of Oman will stay rough, although slightly improved on Friday.

Early morning fog may return by Sunday morning as humidity rises during Saturday night. The temperatures will increase slightly and wind speeds will drop to 35kph.

Fog across the UAE last week

A foggy morning along the E10 Highway, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa/The National

A foggy morning at the Al Bandar area, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa/The National

A foggy morning along the E10 Highway, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa/The National

A foggy morning at the Al Bandar area, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa/The National

A foggy morning along the E10 Highway, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa/The National

Working amidst the fog at Khalifa City. Victor Besa/The National

A foggy morning at the Al Bandar area, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa/The National

A foggy morning at the Al Bandar area, Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa/The National