Dubai: Hazy and dusty conditions were experienced in parts of the UAE, with temperature reaching 49 degree Celsius at midday on Thursday.
As similar conditions are expected over the weekend, the Ministry of Interior issued an advisory to motorists to exercise caution.
The National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) warned of fresh south-easterly winds and suspended dust and haze, reducing visibility to less than 500 metres at times.
Hot weather over most areas during the daytime is expected to continue throughout the weekend. According to the NCMS, it will be hazy and partly cloudy over the eastern and southern areas with a chance of some towering clouds in the afternoon.
Temperatures in the coastal areas will be between 30 and 39 degree Celsius, while internal areas will see temperatures as high as 48 degree Celsius.
“Over the weekend, we are likely to see moderate winds, blowing dust and reducing horizontal visibility over most of the country. The Arabian Gulf and Oman sea will be moderate, rough at times,” it said.
Reduced visibility
The Ministry of Interior called on motorists to exercise caution in view of the reduced horizontal visibility caused by dusty and windy conditions.
The ministry called on motorists to be particularly careful when driving on desert roads on which wind breakers are absent, leading to sand piling up and making it hard for motorists to avoid them if they are driving at high speed.
The ministry also advised motorists to drive at moderate speeds and maintain a safe distance between vehicles. It also urged drivers to park on the hard shoulder if visibility levels are very low. Motorists should also avoid parking under trees, billboards and near construction sites.
Sand on the surface of roads can cause accidents, which calls for motorists to be more cautious, focused, and abide by traffic rules. It advised motorists to use hazard lights if they completely stop and to switch on headlights if visibility reduces further.
The ministry pointed out other risks associated with windy conditions. For instance, when a light vehicle overtakes a heavy truck, the air pressure and wind’s power first drop and then increase suddenly, which can cause the light vehicle to swerve or overturn.