Dusty weather expected in UAE on Friday

A new wave of cold weather is expected to hit the country on Friday with chilly north-westerly winds determined to break into the warm clothes used to protect against the night cold. Forecasters are expecting a significant drop in temperature and dusty conditions as winds are likely to sweep in dust from the dried up marshland of southern Iraq to the UAE and Arabian Gulf region. "We have been monitoring the situation," said the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) promising timely alert for the public. The centre, however, issued an early warning for people to be alert of cold, winds, dust and poor visibility on the road, as well as a very rough sea. It is not something unusual in January but the sudden change could be annoying for unprepared people. The centre said an atmospheric low pressure had developed over Iran which had extended to southern Iraq. This is also affected by the current high pressure which has been felt across the Eastern Mediterranean region. This will push the mass of strong, cold, and dusty northwesterly winds to the UAE from this afternoon or during the night. The winds will turn the sea rough with waves of up to 10 feet. People planning sea trips at the weekend and fishermen have also been warned to remain on land. Similarly, people out in the desert could also face freezing temperatures. They must take enough protection to avoid risk. The cold conditions will be aggravating to people suffering from asthma, children, and elderly people, and they have been advised to stay indoors in dusty conditions and not exposure themselves to cold winds.