ABU DHABI // Rain has begun to fall in some areas of Abu Dhabi while the possibility of lightning has been forecast for the northern parts of the country.
The rain has been brought by clouds that began forming early morning over the emirate's offshore islands, according to the National Center for Meteorology and Seismology. As the clouds moved to the western and central parts of the country in the early afternoon they brought strong surface winds, some of which reached speeds of 70 kilometres per hour.
"This raised dust near the surface and caused sudden drops in visibility that in some places reached less than 100 metres," said a meteorologist at the centre.
As the dust storm abates, rain will set in.
The same clouds brought rain to eastern parts of the country earlier today, with mountainous regions from Hatta to Khor Fakkan experiencing heavy to moderate downpours.
In the north and east of the country, lightning is also a possibility, said the meteorologist.
Similar weather is expected tomorrow.
Motorists are being advised to drive carefully and seafarers advised against unnecessary voyages.
vtodorova@thenational.ae
