As fog descends on Dubai hopes for winter weather rise

Well the weathermen predicted it and they got it right as fog rolled into Dubai and Abu Dhabi this morning, with visibility dropping between 250 and 500 metres.

In Abu Dhabi, the visibility dropped to 250 metres. The visibility was better in the Western Region, at 800 metres.

The fog covered Abu Dhabi Airport, the city itself and parts of Liwa and Madinat Zayed in the Western Region, an official at the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology said. The fog set in at Abu Dhabi around 5 am, he said.

In Jebel Ali and southern Dubai, the visibility dropped to 400 to 500 metres as mist blanketed the region between 4.30am and 8am.

Yesterday, motorists travelling through parts of the UAE were told to be cautious because of fog by the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology.

"[We are] advising the motorists to take precaution on roads towards the Western regions and the interior land due to the deterioration of visibility due to patches of fog," said a spokesperson.

And, as these pictures taken in Dubai by The National's Deputy Photo Editor Mark Asquith show, drivers needed to exercise caution, switching to fog lights rather than using hazards, which police regularly advice in foggy conditions.

That advice was echoed on twitter as people set off for their morning commute from Dubai.

"It's pretty foggy on the roads. Make sure you have your fog lights on and not your hazard lights," tweeted @MyMetroTalkUAE.

"This fog in #UAE is pretty crazy! Pls drive safe," Sheena Kay posted on the social media site.

For some this morning the misty conditions were also a sign that better weather was finally here to stay.

"As the morning fog rises, you know the weather is getting better in the UAE," said Noah Khan.

Ed Poulty added "Morning fog means only one thing - almost winter!"

The National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology has said fog will disrupt traffic in Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates tomorrow morning too.

Motorists have been urged to drive slowly and remain vigilant.

anwar@thenational.ae