Heat is off as rain ushers in winter weather

Temperatures are expected to hit highs in the late 20s by the end of the month.

The wind and rain of recent days are a harbinger of cooler weather as autumn ends and winter begins, meteorologists say.

The National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology yesterday said temperatures would drop significantly by the end of the month, to the high 20s.

The peak temperature along the coast now is about 30°C.

"We are entering the end of the autumn season," a spokesman from the centre said. "Internal areas will be like today, not warmer. The weather generally is good, just the sea will continue to be rough."

On Monday, the centre warned the public against going out to sea, where winds were expected to hit 50kph. Many ignored the warning and packed beaches, where the wind reached 35kph.

The warning had not yet been lifted yesterday, with winds along the coast of Abu Dhabi and Al Gharbia expected to reach 40kph today and tomorrow.

Winds will be weaker in the Northern Emirates, but rain there is more likely.

"There was some rain in the morning in the north and clouds are expected to continue to form over mountain areas," the spokesman said.

Today, he said, there would be more clouds in the north but chances of rain were slim.

The spokesman added a repeat of Monday's heavy rains was unlikely.