More thunderstorms expected in UAE

Pedestrians walk across a flooded intersection of Airport Road in Abu Dhabi during a rain storm on December 13.

DUBAI // The UAE should brace itself for more thunder and rainstorms, albeit a bit milder than the storms that caused devastation and flooding last week. The Dubai Meteorological Office at the Dubai International Airport said that intermittent rain showers are expected across the UAE on Saturday. "The rain showers are expected to start early in the morning and last until the evening, when the weather should clear up," said a spokesperson at the office.

Wind speed is expected to measure up to 56km per hour, causing a marine warning to be issued out for the day. "This type of weather holds a possibility for strong winds, which is a danger for sailors," said the spokesperson, adding that the seas will be rough, with waves reaching five feet offshore. Last week, over three days of continuous rain saw at least six people killed and many more injured on the waterlogged roads of the UAE. Severe flooding on roads and highways, power outages and an increase in traffic accidents were reported countrywide.

"This time, because the rainfall will not be continuous, it will not be as bad as last week, but visibility may be reduced during the showers, and drivers especially should be careful," said the spokesperson. Temperatures are expected to drop to a minimum of 14 degrees Celsius with a daytime high of 28 degrees Celsius. Forecasters says this is normal weather conditions for this time of year, and will continue on into January and perhaps February as well.