ABU DHABI — The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has issued red and yellow weather alerts for parts of Abu Dhabi on Thursday morning due to thick fog, significantly reducing visibility for drivers in suburban areas.
The fog warning, specifically affecting the Al Dhafra region, was put into effect at 6:45 AM and is expected to last until 9:30 AM.
As a result, residents and motorists have been urged to exercise caution when traveling, especially in the affected regions, as visibility could be reduced to dangerously low levels.
The NCM has warned that the hazardous driving conditions could persist throughout the morning, with poor visibility potentially lasting longer than the forecasted time, depending on the intensity of the fog.
The weather alert, which categorized the fog as both red and yellow, indicates varying levels of severity, with red representing the highest level of caution.
These warnings reflect the potential danger of accidents caused by reduced sightlines and drivers’ ability to see clearly on the road.
Motorists are advised to slow down, use fog lights if available, and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
Those traveling along main roads leading to Al Dhafra, including the highways to and from the western regions, should be especially vigilant.
Emergency response teams and traffic authorities are on standby to address any incidents that may arise due to the fog.
In addition to the fog warnings, the NCM forecasts partly cloudy weather across the country throughout the day. While the fog is expected to clear by the late morning, a thicker cloud cover is anticipated to develop in the eastern areas by the afternoon.
The conditions are expected to remain relatively mild, with no significant weather changes expected in the coming hours.
For the evening and early Friday morning, the weather will remain humid, especially along coastal and internal areas. There is also a chance of fog returning overnight, as humidity levels rise.
The chances of fog formation are highest in the coastal cities and the inland areas, with dense fog likely to disrupt visibility in some places again.
The NCM also issued a forecast for light to moderate winds, with speeds reaching up to 30 km/h. These winds are not expected to cause significant disruption but may contribute to the fog formation and could provide some relief by dispersing the mist and cloud cover.
For those planning outdoor activities, the waves in the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman are expected to remain light throughout the day, providing relatively calm seas for those venturing out on the water.
However, travelers are still encouraged to check for any further weather updates before heading out. As the fog lifts and the skies gradually clear, the NCM is advising residents to remain cautious of potential weather shifts.
The authorities have promised to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as necessary, ensuring public safety is maintained throughout the changing conditions.
For now, residents are urged to plan ahead and stay updated on weather alerts, particularly those in fog-affected areas, as the morning commute could be significantly impacted by poor visibility.