Residents across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates woke up to hazy skies and a heavy blanket of heat today. The National Center of Meteorology issued an alert for strong southeasterly winds, reaching up to 40 km/h, pushing dust and sand into the air. Authorities cautioned that visibility could fall to less than 1,500 metres in some coastal and internal areas, particularly during the afternoon hours.
The advisory, effective until early evening, urged residents to take precautions against poor air quality and reduced visibility on roads. Commuters were advised to drive slowly, use headlights, and maintain a safe distance while travelling.
Temperatures peak at 47°C
The soaring heat continues to dominate across the country. Internal regions are expected to see highs ranging between 43°C and 47°C, while coastal areas face temperatures between 40°C and 45°C. Mountainous regions remain comparatively cooler, with averages of 33°C to 36°C.
Dubai is set to experience hazy sunshine with highs near 42°C, while Abu Dhabi records similar conditions. Evening temperatures will stay warm, hovering around 32°C to 33°C across the two cities.
Cloud build-up could trigger showers
Alongside the soaring mercury, forecasters highlighted the possibility of cloud formation over the eastern and southern regions. Convective clouds may build up through the day, potentially leading to scattered rainfall. Winds in these areas may strengthen further, contributing to blowing dust and sudden drops in visibility.
Conditions over the Arabian Gulf are predicted to be slight to moderate, while the Oman Sea remains slight, making marine activities less affected compared with inland travel.
Minor earthquake strikes nearby Oman
Adding to the day’s unusual conditions, a light earthquake was recorded at 5:13 am in Madha, Oman, close to the UAE border. The tremor measured 2.2 on the Richter scale and occurred at a shallow depth of five kilometres. Officials confirmed that the incident had no impact on the UAE, and no tremors were felt by residents.
While the seismic activity was minor, it comes as a reminder of the region’s occasional geological movements. Authorities reiterated that today’s event was too weak to be felt or to cause any disruption.
Public safety reminders
With both dust and heat intensifying, residents are strongly urged to follow safety measures:
- Avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure during dusty conditions
- Keep windows and doors shut indoors and switch air conditioning to recirculation mode
- Drive carefully with headlights on in low-visibility areas
- Stay updated with official bulletins from the National Center of Meteorology
- Refrain from circulating unverified weather updates online
These steps aim to minimise health risks from dust exposure and reduce traffic accidents during limited visibility.
Outlook for the coming days
Forecasters suggest that the current conditions may continue over the weekend, with hot and humid days ahead. Cloud development in the afternoons could bring occasional showers in eastern and southern regions, although these are expected to be localised and brief.
For now, residents across the UAE are being reminded to stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activity, and follow guidance from official authorities.
The UAE faces a day of challenging conditions with dust storms, extreme heat, and the rare occurrence of a minor tremor just across the border. While the earthquake posed no local impact, the dust alert remains the main concern for residents. Staying cautious, especially on the roads and during outdoor activities, will help keep daily routines safe until conditions improve.
Read More:
- Saudi Arabia launches Nusuk Umrah platform for international pilgrims – Social Kandura
- RAK Police Offer Drivers Four Black Point Reduction on First Day of School – Social Kandura
Follow Social Kandura for the latest local updates, safety alerts, and things to do across Dubai and the UAE.
