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29 March 2024

Storm Alert: Lightning sparks fire in Al Ain

Published
By Bindu Rai/Muna Ahmad

As the mercury crept up to hover near 50°C over the past few days, there was a respite from the heat wave as sporadic rain fell across the UAE, albeit with a dust storm in its wake.


 
The country’s National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) confirmed the development, which has occurred due to a low pressure centred at the south west part of the UAE.
 
There are reports of light showers across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
 
Abu Dhabi Police has issued a warning to motorists, tweeting: “Light to medium rain on different parts in Al Ain. Motorists are urged to drive cautiously.”
 
A spokesperson with the NCMS said: “This weather pattern is expected to continue for the next 36 hours, with rainfall also expected tomorrow, especially in Al Ain, the Eastern region and possibly Fujairah tomorrow.

“The dust storms are also expected to continue, reducing horizontal visibility to approximately 2km across areas.”
 
Meanwhile, Twitter continued with tweets to the same, with Salman Khan writing: “Highlight of the day so far. Drizzle in peak summers at Dubai Motor City.”
 
Anshul Mehta wrote: “Heavy clouds hover over Al Ain, rain expected in some parts of the city.”

There are reports of rain on Emirates Road, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Al Khail Road and Dubai-Al Ain highway.

There is also a big sandstorm between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, drivers on Sheikh Zayed Road said.

Inland near Al Alin, a sandstorm is raging and drivers are advised to be cautious.

NCMS warns of low visibility, rough seas

Meanwhile, the National Centre of Meteorology and Siesmology (NCMS) has warned the seafarers that the sea will  be rough in the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.

According to the Emirates News Agency Wam, it cautioned drivers in a statement on Sunday of low visibility caused by dust over different parts of the UAE.

Lightning causes fire in Al Ain

Lightning caused a fire in Al Ain, as turbulent weather spread across different parts of the UAE on Sunday.

The fire, according to sources in Al Ain Civil Defence, was caused by lightning. Fire fighters from Al Ain Civil Defence were able to control and put out the fire.

Heavy rains fell in different areas of  eastern part of Jebel Ali to Al Ain.

The National Authority for Emergency and Disasters has alerted people and motorists from going to open areas in such weather due to poor visibility and heavy rain.