Fog to Blanket UAE Coastal and Inland Areas, Disrupting Travel
The United Arab Emirates is bracing for a return of foggy conditions, with the National Center of Meteorology (NCM) forecasting persistent haze from through at least . The forecast warns of reduced visibility, particularly during early morning hours, impacting both coastal and inland regions.
The anticipated fog follows recent disruptions caused by dense haze over the past two weeks, notably in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Previous heavy fog, experienced on and , led to significant travel delays, with commute times doubling in some areas and numerous flight cancellations.
Authorities are urging motorists to exercise extreme caution while driving during periods of low visibility. Storm Centre, an online UAE weather tracking platform, advised drivers to slow down and stay safe, particularly on and . The NCM has also warned of the potential for zero visibility in the worst-affected areas.
The NCM predicts that fog or mist will form over some coastal and internal areas, continuing the pattern seen earlier this week, including isolated spells of fog reported on . Humidity is expected to rise overnight, contributing to the formation of fog, especially in coastal and inland zones.
Temperatures are expected to range between 29°C and 32°C during the day in coastal and internal areas, dropping to between 11°C and 20°C at night. Cooler conditions are anticipated in mountainous regions. A slight temperature decrease is expected on , with similar weather patterns continuing into the week.
Specific temperature and humidity readings for various cities across the UAE, as of the latest forecast, include:
- Abu Dhabi: High of 31°C, low of 17°C, maximum humidity of 90%, minimum humidity of 20%
- Dubai: High of 31°C, low of 19°C, maximum humidity of 80%, minimum humidity of 40%
- Sharjah: High of 30°C, low of 18°C, maximum humidity of 80%, minimum humidity of 30%
- Ajman: High of 26°C, low of 19°C, maximum humidity of 85%, minimum humidity of 45%
- Umm Al Quwain: High of 29°C, low of 14°C, maximum humidity of 80%, minimum humidity of 40%
- Ras Al Khaimah: High of 30°C, low of 12°C, maximum humidity of 90%, minimum humidity of 30%
- Fujairah: High of 28°C, low of 21°C, maximum humidity of 80%, minimum humidity of 20%
- Al Ain: High of 32°C, low of 18°C, maximum humidity of 60%, minimum humidity of 15%
- Liwa: High of 33°C, low of 14°C, maximum humidity of 85%, minimum humidity of 15%
- Al Ruwais: High of 28°C, low of 14°C, maximum humidity of 90%, minimum humidity of 45%
- Al Silaa: High of 31°C, low of 17°C, maximum humidity of 85%, minimum humidity of 50%
- Delma: High of 24°C, low of 19°C, maximum humidity of 85%, minimum humidity of 60%
- Greater Tunb/Lesser Tunb: High of 27°C, low of 18°C, maximum humidity of 85%, minimum humidity of 70%
- Abu Musa: High of 27°C, low of 18°C, maximum humidity of 85%, minimum humidity of 70%
Dubai Airports has previously experienced disruptions due to fog, with 12 flights cancelled and 23 inbound flights diverted on as a result of severe fog conditions. Passengers are advised to stay updated on flight schedules as the current weather situation develops.
Winds are expected to be light to moderate, blowing from the south-east to north-east at speeds of 10 to 20 km/h, occasionally reaching 30 km/h. Sea conditions will remain calm, with slight waves in both the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.
