Windy weather to continue

Cool and windy weather will continue for at least another two days, forecasters say. Meteorologists blamed today's blustery conditions on the transition from winter to summer, with a spokesman for the National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology saying: "This is the time of year when the weather cannot make up its mind. "We are having extreme highs and lows of temperature; it peaked at 46°C in some areas of the country just a few days ago, and today's maximum peak recorded is 40°C, and only 34°C in Abu Dhabi, so the range is significant," he added. The temperature could go as low as 23°C in some areas, he said. The strong winds are also nourished by clouds and rain flying from Saudi Arabia towards Iran. "Winds are expected to gain strength in some areas, causing a lot of dust and sand, and generating high waves in the Arabian Gulf," the spokesman said. North-easterly winds of up to 25kph are likely to pull up dust in open areas, leading to low visibility. There is also a chance of light rain. The operators of hot air balloon tours have suspended trips until the weather calms down. Amigos Balloon Company, operating in Dubai and Al Ain, said it was not taking any bookings for the next few days. "We do not fly if wind speed is above 11 knots, so more than 11 kph," said a spokeswoman. "We are careful to check weather conditions before confirming any of our balloon flights." Meanwhile, Balloon Adventures Emirates, which also operates Balloon Adventures Dubai, remains suspended while investigators look into its fatal April 23 crash, for which high winds are being investigated as a possible cause. hkhalaf@thenational.ae