Temperatures rise as the storm dies down

Forecasters warn asthma sufferers to stay indoors as high winds are expected with increase in temperatures.

March 26. Motorcars drive through a big rain puddle left by overnight rain in Al Barsha. March 26. Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Photo: Antonie Robertson/The National)
Powered by automated translation

The storms that hit much of the UAE are expected to give way to temperatures of up to 40°C tomorrow after the mercury begins to rise today.

The highest temperatures tomorrow are expected in the interior of the country, with less scorching maximums of 36°C along the coast in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Today is forecast to hit 34°C with little wind and blue skies.

The National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) in Abu Dhabi is warning people with asthma or other respiratory problems to stay inside tomorrow as winds of 40kph whip up dust and sand.

The NCMS is also warning drivers to take extra care because of a decrease in visibility, which is expected to drop to about 2,500 metres ahead, particularly in the Western Region.

"Fishermen should also avoid going out to sea on Wednesday because it will be rough at times," said an NCMS spokesman, who predicted waves of more than two metres.

Sunday night's thunderstorms were caused by unsettled conditions from the Red Sea. An area of low pressure picked up moisture and warm air as it came into contact with clouds.

"The rain was mainly from around midnight over the Western Region and stayed until the morning," the spokesman said.

The highest rainfall was reported on Sir Bu Nair Island near Sharjah, with 3 millimetres. But the average for most of the country was about 0.4mm.

"This is normal at this time of year because from March 23 we experience the first transitional period with unstable weather," the spokesman said. "Unfortunately we aren't expecting any further rain, although there is a slight chance we might get a little on Friday."