Rough seas forecast in Gulf over the weekend

Partly cloudy and cool conditions would dominate the weather during the weekend across the UAE but people planning trips to the sea have been warned of rough seas. Northwesterly winds have been generating high waves in the Arabian Gulf and stormy conditions could imperil small boats and fishing trawlers. Low temperatures as the seasonal change has been setting in has given people a chance to enjoy outdoor activities, a forecaster said. People planning desert trips and camping out during the weekend have also been advised to arrange warm clothes as cold could become unbearable in the open desert at night. Children and elderly people could especially face difficulty without proper protection, the forecaster said. Tropical system The forecaster said a new tropical system has developed off the coast of Oman in the Arabian Sea in the last couple of days but it would not affect the weather conditions over the UAE. The system is being observed and expected to precipitate rainfall only over the eastern coast of Oman. The conditions on the western seafront of the UAE were yesterday rough with waves six feet to eight feet high offshore. "It's very rough out there and people must stay away from joyriding and fishing," a forecaster said. According to the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS), the conditions would be partly cloudy and cool in general today. Winds would be moderately rough and they might generate waves three feet to six feet high. Relative humidity will increase at night and early in the morning at times in the coastal and internal areas. There are some chances of mist formation over some of these areas, the centre said. Similar conditions would prevail tomorrow with partly cloudy weather and moderately rough winds. The waves offshore would be slightly milder remaining two feet to four feet high. Expert advice: how to stay warm Dr Riaz Ahmad Minhas, a physician at the Emirates Clinic and Medical Centre in Al Ain, said the winter season has been setting in and people need to take extra care to cope with the cold temperatures. He said people with seasonal allergies must and avoid cold and dusty places. Dr Minhas said winter cold could aggravate asthma and other associated diseases. Elderly people and children need to cover their chests while out at night and in cold places. He added that hot drinks and dried fruits are good for the body when the weather is cold, adding that people should incorporate them into their diet in winter. Ahmad Abdullah, an Indian expatriate who works as a night guard at a store said the weather is getting cold and uncomfortable at night. He said he has arranged for a room heater since the nights will continue to get colder.