The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has issued yellow weather alerts across several parts of the UAE for Thursday, warning of dusty conditions, strong winds, and rough sea states that may pose risks to public safety and maritime activities.
In a statement early this morning, the NCM alerted residents to expect fresh to strong northwesterly winds and dusty weather, significantly reducing horizontal visibility in affected areas.
Visibility may drop to less than 3,000 metres at times, particularly in open and desert regions, due to the suspension of dust in the air.
The alert for dust and wind remains in effect until 2:00 p.m., while a separate yellow alert for the Oman Sea—warning of fresh winds and turbulent sea conditions—will stay active until 8:30 p.m.
The authority has urged the public to take necessary precautions, especially those traveling by sea or in low-visibility zones, and to follow updates through official channels.
Overall, the country is experiencing a dusty and partly cloudy day, with moderate to fresh winds gaining strength, particularly over the sea.
Wind speeds are expected to range from 15 to 30 kilometres per hour, occasionally peaking at 50kmph, according to the NCM’s daily weather bulletin.
The meteorological authority also indicated the presence of an extension of surface low pressure from the east and high pressure from the west, which is further intensified by a weak upper-air low-pressure system.
This combination is contributing to the current unstable weather conditions seen across much of the country.
Temperature levels will remain relatively mild, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 32°C in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Minimum temperatures will drop to around 25°C in Abu Dhabi, 26°C in Dubai, and as low as 18°C in internal regions.
Humidity is expected to vary between 40 to 65 per cent in Abu Dhabi and from 40 to 70 per cent in Dubai. The fluctuating humidity, combined with dust-laden winds, may contribute to discomfort for individuals with respiratory conditions or allergies.
Authorities have advised residents to monitor weather updates closely, avoid outdoor activities during peak wind hours, and ensure safety while on the roads, as dust can impair driving visibility.
The inclement weather comes ahead of the year-end festivities, including the highly anticipated New Year’s Eve fireworks at Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Festival on December 31. Although today’s conditions are unlikely to impact future events, officials are keeping a close watch on evolving weather patterns.
For continuous updates and alerts, the public is encouraged to follow the National Centre of Meteorology’s channels and stay informed through trusted news platforms, including Khaleej Times on WhatsApp Channels.
As the day unfolds, residents across the UAE are reminded to stay vigilant, especially when commuting or engaging in outdoor or maritime activities, as nature’s unpredictability underscores the need for preparedness.