Thick fog forms in Abu Dhabi for the fifth consecutive day

Thick patches of fog formed over the UAE coast and areas inland on Thursday, for the fifth consecutive day this week.

Abu Dhabi Police sent out an emergency alert by SMS urging motorists to drive cautiously as dense fog rolled off the sea, descending over Abu Dhabi city and up to Ghantoot at around 8am.

The force also tweeted a warning in English, Arabic, Malayalam, a language spoken in Kerala, India, and Hindi urging motorists to drive cautiously.

It said: “#urgent #AbuDhabiPolice call on motorists to exercise caution due to reduced visibility during the #fog. They are urged to follow changing speed limits displayed on electronic information boards. Drive Safely.”

Dense patches also formed inland in the early hours, when temperatures were as low as 7°C in Raknah, Al Ain.

The National's tips for driving safely in fog

The fog had been predicted over some Western areas of the country by forecasters at the National Centre of Meteorology. The bureau said the fog should dissipate by 10.30am.

Window cleaners work on Al Ain Tower with view of Etihad Towers in the background in Al Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi. Erica ElKhershi / The National

The bureau issued a yellow "be aware" and red "take action" warnings across the South Western part of the country. The yellow alert refers to expected areas of fog formation with visibility of less than 1km while the red alert advises motorists in the relevant areas to stop driving entirely until visibility is clear.

On Wednesday, digital signs warned motorists not to exceed 80kmph on the main motorway in Abu Dhabi due to poor visibility.

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It was the second time this week that police had reduced the speed limit on Sheikh Zayed Road due to the weather.

The UAE experiences frequent episodes of fog, particularly during the winter when the weather is stable.

Around 95 per cent of the fog seen in the UAE is radiation fog, which forms in the early hours as heat absorbed by the Earth’s surface during the day “radiates” into the air, causing water droplets to form. It dissipates in the heat of the Sun.

Advection fog is another type seen in the UAE. It forms when warm, moist air passes over a cool surface, creating water vapour.

Heavy fog blanketed the UAE capital in December. Photo of Etihad Towers taken from Al Ain Tower in Al Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi. Erica ElKhershi / The National

Thursday’s fog will burn off leaving a partly sunny day, with temperatures of up to 27°C on the coast and 28°C inland. There will also be light to moderate breeze.

Temperatures are due to rise on Friday, and there will be a chance of rain on Sunday and Monday with fresh winds that could blow sand and dust.