Watch: Wadis overflow, heavy rains hit parts of UAE; orange alert issued for thunderstorms

Light to moderate winds, freshening at times, are expected to blow in the country causing dust and sand

Published: Tue 6 Aug 2024, 7:29 AM

Updated: Tue 6 Aug 2024, 1:38 PM

By
Web Desk

Screengrab: Storm Centre video

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) issued an orange alert on Tuesday, August 6, for thunder storms as well as blowing dust or sand. An orange alert was also issued as wind and rough seas conditions continue.

The weather department sent out an orange alert today, notifying residents of chances of rainfall today due to the formation of convective clouds. Fresh winds reaching up to of 40 kmph are expected to blow over some eastern, southern, and internal areas until 7pm on Wednesday.

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The met issued an advisory at 12.50pm, alerting UAE residents of chances of rain and strong winds brought about by the formation of cumulonimbus clouds.

Photo: X/ NCM

In a video shared by Storm Centre at 1.26pm on X, some puddles in some parts of Abu Dhabi streets can be seen.

Watch the video below:

Earlier this morning, light rains were pouring in some areas of Al Ain and in the heart of Abu Dhabi. Videos posted by Storm Centre show heavy drizzles and light rains in various parts of the country.

Some wadis in some parts of the country were also seen overflowing due to the rains.

Screengrab: Storm Centre video

Watch the videos below, as shared by Storm Centre:

The met noted that Oman Sea will experience fresh winds reaching up to 45 kmph, as well as rough seas with waves reaching seven feet at times. The orange alert for wind and rough seas will last until 6pm today, and advises caution for those engaging in outdoor activities.

Today, UAE residents can expect a partly cloudy to cloudy day, which could get dusty at times. There's also a chance of rainfall over some eastern and southern areas.

Light to moderate winds, freshening at times, are expected to blow in the country causing dust and sand, which may reduce the horizontal visibility.

Temperatures will reach up to 41℃ and 42℃ in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, respectively, but it can go as low as 25℃ in the mountains. Humidity can go as low as 15 per cent in the mountains, and is expected to hit 80 per cent in the coastal areas and islands.

The sea will be slight to moderate in the Arabian Gulf and rough to moderate in Oman Sea.

Safety tips

NCM advised residents to avoid driving unless absolutely necessary. In cases where they must drive, residents are urged to be vigilant and exercise caution when driving. When visibility is reduced, it is important to switch on their low beam lights. Residents are also reminded to follow weather forecasts and be ready to comply with instructions.

In a post on X, Abu Dhabi Civil Defence also called on motorists to stay away from low lying areas such as valleys.

Abu Dhabi Police also urged motorists to drive safely amid the rainy weather conditions. Drivers are also advised to follow changing speed limits displayed on electronic information boards.

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