ABU DHABI // Light rain and a drop in temperatures are expected in the next 48 hours forecasters said on Friday.
The National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology has issued a warning to drivers and residents with chest problems, as dusty winds are expected to increase over the next two days to reach 60 kph by Sunday.
"By Sunday there will be strong winds over the sea and internally, raising more dust and decreasing visibility," a spokesman from the centre said. "The sea will be very rough, and there will be a substantial drop in temperatures."
Today visibility was recorded at 2,000 metres in the Al Hamra area due to dust carried by winds of over 30 kph.
Temperatures in major cities will be between 26ºC and 30ºC today, but could drop to 13ºC during the night. Temperatures will be slightly cooler along the coast.
Tomorrow temperatures will drop around 1ºC.
On Sunday, there will be an "extreme" drop, according to the spokesman, who said temperatures will only reach a high of 22ºC, and a low of 6ºC.
Sea waves will be around seven feet today and may reach nine tomorrow night.
On Sunday they will reach up to 12 feet.
"We warn fisherman not to go out to sea starting from, well, even today," the spokesman said. "We warn drivers, specifically on Saturday night and all day Sunday. Visibility will go down. Drivers must take precautions."
He said heavy vehicles must be extra cautious, as winds could cause vehicles with heavy loads to turn over.
"Strong winds have a big effect on these vehicles, so it would be easy to turn them. It is better to slow down," he said. "Some people suffering from asthma, should either stay indoors or cover their nose and mouth while outside."
The spokesman said there was a chance of light rain tonight and tomorrow, particularly in the Northern Emirates and Al Ain.
osalem@thenational.ae
