As the United Arab Emirates braces for a series of dust storms, the National Center of Meteorology (NCM) has issued yellow and orange alerts across the country, warning residents of hazardous conditions expected to persist through the week. The warnings come as strong northwesterly winds are forecasted to continue impacting the region, leading to reduced visibility and a significant drop in temperatures.
According to an official at the NCM, “the northwesterly winds will persist today and tomorrow, impacting the country with blowing sand and dust, leading to reduced visibility and a noticeable drop in temperatures.” The winds are expected to reach speeds of up to 50 km/h, with horizontal visibility potentially dropping below 3,000 meters in some areas. The alert is particularly significant for major cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, where residents have been advised to “lock all doors and windows to prevent dust from entering buildings.”
In response to the extreme weather, several schools in Dubai have cancelled outdoor activities as a precautionary measure. This decision comes exactly one year after schools across the UAE were forced to close for four days due to record rainfall. Parents are encouraged to stay updated with school communications and follow the NCM's safety tips, especially for children or family members with respiratory conditions.
The situation is not isolated to the UAE; neighboring countries like Kuwait, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia are also experiencing similar dust storm conditions. In Kuwait, Education Minister Jalal Al-Tabtabaei instructed schools to close and switch to online classes on Tuesday, April 15, due to the poor air quality caused by the ongoing dust storm.
Dr. Diana Francis, a geophysics expert from Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi, explained the broader implications of the current weather patterns. Speaking on Dubai Eye 103.8's The Agenda, she noted that the UAE is facing the impact of a larger sandstorm originating from Iraq, which has already forced airport closures and resulted in over 1,800 hospitalizations due to respiratory issues. “The shift in seasons pointed out by scientists, regarding climate change, could be seen this year,” Dr. Francis added, indicating that the region might experience an early summer and late winter.
In light of these conditions, Abu Dhabi Police have urged drivers to exercise caution during the hazardous weather. They emphasized the importance of adhering to changing speed limits displayed on electronic information boards and avoiding distractions such as using mobile phones while driving. “For your safety and for the safety of others on the road, please do not be distracted by taking any videos or using your phone,” the police cautioned in a social media post.
The NCM has indicated that these dust storms are expected to continue affecting the region until at least April 20. Weather forecasts predict that from April 17 to 20, the UAE will experience dusty and partly cloudy conditions with fresh northwesterly winds, causing ongoing blowing dust and reduced visibility.
As residents navigate these challenging conditions, the NCM continues to monitor the situation closely, providing real-time updates on the air quality index (AQI) and temperature. Schools typically use a color-coded system to indicate the safety of outdoor activities based on these metrics, ensuring that students remain safe during extreme weather events.
Looking ahead, the weather is expected to improve by Sunday, April 20, coinciding with Easter celebrations for some families. The forecast suggests fair weather with lighter winds and some clouds, offering a welcome change after several days of challenging conditions.
In summary, the UAE is currently facing a significant weather event characterized by dust storms and strong winds. Residents are advised to take precautions to protect their health and safety as the NCM continues to monitor and update the public on evolving conditions. With the potential for reduced visibility and respiratory issues, staying informed and prepared is essential during this period of adverse weather.
