Motors from across the UAE are being strongly urged to exercise caution as thick fog enveloped various regions on Saturday morning, March 15, significantly reducing visibility on major roads. The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) issued a dense fog alert effective until 9 AM today, foreseeing dangerous driving conditions particularly along key thoroughfares including Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road heading toward Sharjah, Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi, Hamim Road toward Madinat Zayed, and around Al Maktoum International Airport and Dubai South.
Abu Dhabi Police took to social media to alert drivers, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the speed limits shown on electronic information boards as visibility was severely compromised. On this foggy morning, motorists were reminded to keep their speeds low and maintain adequate distances between vehicles to prevent accidents.
The fog was not the only weather phenomenon on residents' minds. According to the NCM, weather conditions are expected to vary throughout the weekend, with humidity rising and chances of fog or mist formation persisting, particularly over coastal and western internal areas.
The NCM has predicted temperatures to rise gradually, with inland areas reaching highs between 31°C and 36°C. Coastal regions and islands will experience slightly cooler temperatures ranging between 28°C to 32°C, and mountain areas will see temperatures between 25°C to 29°C. Although Abu Dhabi is expected to reach highs of 30°C with nighttime lows of 19°C, Dubai’s forecast mirrors this pattern, with similar maximum and minimum temperatures.
Even as the fog lifted later, the NCM highlighted warnings of light to moderate winds from the northwestern to the northeastern parts of the UAE, causing some blowing dust, with wind speeds reaching between 10 and 25 km/h, potentially peaking at 40 km/h.
The sea conditions are projected to remain calm, with slight conditions noted along both the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea. This pleasant weather will be accompanied by cloud cover expected across various regions, likely becoming more substantial.
Residents also should stay informed about upcoming rain predicted for tomorrow, March 16, and beyond, as forecasts indicate probable light rainfall particularly toward western areas. This pattern of increased humidity and potential precipitation signifies the start of the coming week with various weather conditions shifting the atmosphere considerably.
On Sunday, forecasts show fair to partly cloudy weather with low clouds appearing, coupled with humidity rising significantly during the night. Winds are expected to remain light to moderate, blowing from the northwestern to northeastern directions, intensifying occasionally enough to lift some dust.
Looking forward to Monday, March 17, conditions are likely to be partly cloudy to overcast at times, coupled with some possibility of light daytime rainfall. The same pattern of humidity is expected to continue overnight through to Tuesday morning across coastal areas.
By Tuesday, March 18, meteorologists predict fair to partly cloudy weather with cloud formation enhancing by afternoon. There remains a fine chance of light rainfall. The forecast concludes with similar wind patterns from the southwestern to northwestern regions of the UAE likely continuing, with wind speeds expected to remain manageable.
With dynamic weather conditions affecting the week, residents are motivated to remain vigilant as they navigate roadways and prepare for upcoming changes.