Image Credit : X / @Storm_centre
Unsettled weather is set to continue across the UAE as the country heads into New Year’s Eve, with scattered rainfall, cooler temperatures, strong winds and hazardous sea conditions forecast, according to the National Centre of Meteorology.
Forecasters expect further cooling on New Year’s Eve, with fair to partly cloudy skies and periods of low cloud over islands and parts of the coast and northern regions. Humidity is forecast to increase overnight, raising the likelihood of light fog or mist forming over some inland areas by Thursday morning.
The current weather system has already led to a noticeable drop in temperatures and reduced visibility in parts of the northern and eastern regions. Strong north-westerly winds are continuing to lift dust and sand, with speeds reaching up to 40 kilometres per hour and occasionally strengthening.
Marine conditions are expected to remain rough to very rough through New Year’s Eve. Wave heights have reached up to six feet in the Sea of Oman and are forecast to rise to around seven feet in the Arabian Gulf by Wednesday evening.
Conditions are expected to stabilise slightly on Thursday, with fair to partly cloudy skies and generally lighter winds. However, humidity will remain high at night and into Friday morning, maintaining the chance of fog or mist in some coastal and inland areas. Sea conditions are forecast to ease, becoming moderate to slight.
By Friday, skies are expected to remain fair to partly cloudy, with a slight rise in temperatures. Winds will be light to moderate, freshening at times, while sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf are forecast to gradually become rough again by nightfall.
The NCM has urged residents and maritime users to remain cautious, avoid swimming and diving, and suspend marine activities during periods of rough sea conditions.
