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Weekend weather: Temperature dip, unsafe road conditions

Abu Dhabi - The Ministry of Interior also urged motorists on Thursday to drive carefully, particularly on desert highways

In the wake of windy, dusty conditions in the capital on Thursday, the temperature dipped by almost 2 degrees, and will continue to remain lower for the next three days, according to the Met office.
It was sand, sand everywhere, as Abu Dhabi witnessed unpleasant weather featuring an intimidating sandstorm. The National Center of Meteorology & Seismology (NCMS) has also advised people with asthma and other lung conditions to be cautious.
With winds blowing in from the southeastern side of the Empty Quarter, a dust blanket has engulfed across many parts of the UAE. "There were light to moderate rain in parts of Sweihan," the Met office said.
"For the next three days, afternoons will be cooler. This phenomenon is due to acceleration in the winds blowing from the southeastern region of the Empty Quarter," the official told Khaleej Times.
"The temperature has dipped from below 50 degrees to 47.9 degrees today," the office said.
Warning: Drive safe in low visibility
The hazy conditions are expected to continue over the weekend. Residents are warned about low visibility, as low as 500m in parts of the capital.
Visibility has reached 1,200m at Abu Dhabi International Airport and 1,800m at Al Ain International Airport.
The Ministry of Interior also urged motorists on Thursday to drive carefully, particularly on desert highways that have no windbreakers.
In a road warning statement, the ministry advised motorists to remain cautious, reduce speed and leave sufficient distance between vehicles to avoid accidents. In low visibility, motorists should park their cars on the right shoulder of the road, and turn on hazard lights to ensure safety.
"Sand on the road surface is one of the main causes of accidents. and motorists should take precautionary measures during dusty weather. They should also be careful about any obstacles on the road including solid construction materials, tree trunks and palm tree fronds," the MoI statement warned.
The ministry also urged motorists not to park their vehicles under trees, signboards and construction sites.
So, even as the current weather seems perfect some for weekend fun and frolic, residents and commuters may well be wary about poor visibility on the road.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com