Monday, Dec 14, 2009
Gulf News
Al Ain The UAE experienced heavy showers yesterday leading to traffic snarls on major roads. Residents, however, chose to make the best of the weather by heading outdoors.
The low pressure system resulted in the season's heaviest rainfall in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi yesterday, accompanied by thunderstorms. Thick black clouds hovered over Dubai and the city also received heavy rain at around midday like other parts of the country.
The wet weather is expected to change today with the low pressure system moving towards Iran.
"We expect partly cloudy weather tomorrow [Monday] and some chance of rain as well," a forecaster said. The Dubai Met Office is forecasting clear and sunny days from tomorrow.
In Al Ain, heavy rain at 7am forced schoolchildren and office-goers to stay indoors. Rain water inundated low-lying residential areas, streets and market places.
Abu Dhabi experienced thunderstorms at 3pm.
The weather bureau has recorded more than 60 millimetres rain in Al Foa, a suburb in Al Ain, 24.4 millimetres over Jebel Hafeet, and 20 millimetres at Al Ain International Airport. Abu Dhabi has received 33.1 millimetres of rain.
According to the National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS), conditions will continue to be cloudy over most areas in the country.
The maximum temperature is expected to be 22 degrees Celsius and minimum 17 degrees Celsius in Dubai. Meanwhile, a big traffic jam was reported on the Al Ain-Abu Dhabi Road near Bani Yas. The weather also forced the Centre of Waste Management — Abu Dhabi to postpone the launch of the waste collection, sorting and recycling project in Al Ain until next Sunday.
In Ras Al Khaimah, sources said the level of water in the dams has increased in the last few days due to heavy rain.
— Additional inputs from Nasouh Nazzal/Staff Reporter
See also Page 10
wet roads
motorists cautioned
Authorities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have warned motorists to take extra caution while driving during rainy weather conditions.
Chief Prosecutor Salah Bu Farousha, Head of Dubai Traffic Public Prosecution, urged drivers who are involved in minor accidents in rainy weather, to move their vehicles to the roadside.
The chief prosecutor also cautioned motorists to drive safely, reduce speed and maintain safe distances from the cars ahead of them during the stormy weather. Colonel Hamad Adil Al Shamsi, Director of the Traffic and Patrols Department at Abu Dhabi Police, appealed to drivers, particularly school bus drivers and other public and private bus drivers, to keep speed to a minimum.
He called on motorists to check weather forecasts to judge the the road conditions to be expected. He said they should avoid applying the brakes suddenly as this may cause skidding.
He advised motorbike riders to keep off the streets for a few days as much as possible to avoid fatalities.
Beach goers were also warned against adverse weather conditions which may increase drowning incidents, especially amongst inexperienced swimmers who may not be able to judge their capabilities in this weather.
Colonel Mohammad Jasem Al Za'abi, Director of Ports Police Centre, said the ports police intensifies its readiness at this time of the year by increasing sea and land patrols to provide safety and security for everyone.
— By Bassam Za'za, Senior Reporter and Rayeesa Absal, Staff Reporter
By Aftab Kazmi
Gulf News 2009. All rights reserved.
