Extreme dusty weather conditions are set to continue in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has issued an orange dust alert across several regions. Motorists are advised to exercise caution as visibility is expected to be significantly reduced due to blowing dust and strong winds.
According to the NCM, residents can anticipate dusty skies along with a decrease in temperatures on April 16, 2025. Alerts have been issued for areas including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and the Al Dhafra region, where horizontal visibility may drop below 3,000 meters.
In a statement, the NCM warned, “Be on the alert. Hazardous weather events are expected. Comply with advice issued by the authorities.” As the dust storm progresses, residents are urged to lock all doors and windows to prevent dust from entering their homes.
Temperature highs are projected to range between 32 and 37 degrees Celsius, while lows will hover between 22 and 26 degrees Celsius. Moderate to strong winds are expected across the country, with speeds reaching up to 50 km/h in coastal and island regions, and between 40 to 45 km/h over mountainous and internal areas.
The NCM has cautioned that these extreme weather conditions will persist into April 17, 2025. On this day, residents can expect similar weather patterns, with moderate to fresh northwesterly winds contributing to blowing dust and sand, particularly in the northern and eastern regions.
Abu Dhabi Police have also issued warnings to motorists, urging them to remain vigilant and cautious while driving under these hazardous conditions. “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 advised.
In addition to the dust alerts, the NCM has forecasted foggy conditions across some international and coastal areas from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM on April 16, 2025. This adds another layer of complexity to the already challenging driving conditions.
As the UAE grapples with these weather challenges, residents are reminded of the importance of safety precautions. The NCM's alerts serve as a reminder to stay informed and prepared for the unpredictable nature of the desert climate.
Looking ahead, the weather forecast for April 18, 2025, suggests fair to partly cloudy conditions, with continued blowing dust expected, especially in eastern areas. Winds will remain moderate to fresh, reaching speeds of 15 to 30 km/h, and the sea conditions will be rough in the Arabian Gulf.
By April 19, the weather is anticipated to stabilize, with fair conditions becoming the norm. However, residents should remain alert for the possibility of low clouds appearing over the east and humidity levels rising during the night.
In summary, the NCM's warnings highlight the need for caution as the UAE faces a period of extreme dusty weather. The combination of high winds, reduced visibility, and temperature fluctuations presents significant challenges for both residents and motorists.
As always, following the advice of authorities and staying updated on weather conditions can help ensure safety during these adverse weather events.
