Dubai, UAE – Light to moderate rains were reported in several areas of Dubai on Friday, December 31, 2023, prompting the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) to issue a warning for drivers to exercise extra caution while on the road.
The rain began in the early morning hours, affecting key areas including Umm Suqeim, Jumeirah, Al Safa, and Al Jaddaf. As the weather continued to shift, motorists across the city were urged to remain vigilant as roads became slippery due to the rainfall.
The unpredictable weather conditions also led to reduced visibility in certain parts of the city, prompting local authorities to issue guidance for safe driving.
In response to the downpour, Dubai Police took to social media platform X to alert the public about the potential hazards.
They emphasized the importance of adjusting driving habits when the roads are wet, issuing several safety tips to help minimize the risk of accidents during adverse weather conditions.
“Turn on your low beam headlights,” the advisory stated. “This will help improve visibility for you and other drivers.”
It also encouraged drivers to check their brakes after driving through areas affected by water to ensure the brakes are still effective and that water had not impacted their performance.
Additionally, the advisory reminded motorists to stay away from valleys and flooded areas, where water accumulation could create dangerous conditions.
Drivers were also urged to ensure their windshield wipers are in proper working order to maintain clear visibility during periods of rain.
“Drive slower and keep away from the edge of the road,” the advice continued, pointing out the importance of maintaining a safe distance from the road’s edge, which could be slippery due to standing water. In order to prevent fog buildup on the windshield, drivers were advised to use their car’s outside air settings.
In addition to the practical tips, the police also reminded motorists to check weather updates from official sources such as the NCM to stay informed of any changes in weather conditions that could affect road safety.
Motorists were also reminded to stay alert and anticipate the actions of other drivers who may make mistakes due to poor weather conditions.
For non-emergency issues, drivers were advised to call the Dubai Police’s 901 hotline, while emergency situations should be reported to the general emergency number, 999.
The NCM’s forecast for the day indicated that rain would continue in some northern, eastern, and coastal regions of the UAE.
The weather was expected to be partly cloudy to cloudy throughout the day, with conditions changing as the rainfall moved across various parts of the country.
As the weekend approached, local authorities and emergency services remained on high alert, with road safety at the forefront of public advisories.
Drivers in Dubai are urged to remain cautious and adjust their driving habits to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road.