Thunderstorms bring relief to Al Ain residents

Forecasters expect cloudy conditions in eastern parts of the country



The rain in Al Ain on Sunday afternoon pushed the mercury a few points lower but increased the level of humidity and discomfort. The police and civil defence did not report any road accidents in the city.

 Al Ain: A sudden dust and thunderstorm pounded the Oasis city Sunday afternoon blowing away dish antennas and signboards in some areas.

The rain also brought relief to the residents who normally brave the highest temperature of the day around that time. This was the second day the city received afternoon rain due to the local development stretching from over the Hajar mountains in neighbouring Oman.

A thick blanket of dust and sand covered the city within minutes at around 2.10pm along with high winds.
The dust forced people to stay indoors . The dust storm later changed into a thunderstorm with a brief spell of heavy rain at around 2.30pm.

Though the rain pushed the mercury a few points lower, it increased the level of humidity and discomfort. The police and civil defence did not report any road accidents in the city.

Towering clouds

The National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) had forecast partly cloudy and hazy weather in general but did not indicate any possibility of rain.

It said the amount of cloud would increase at times in some areas along with some towering clouds in the eastern areas. A similar forecast has been reported for the next couple of days by the centre.

A meteorologist said there was a chance of rain and thunderstorms in Al Ain as favourable conditions were developing over the Hajar Mountain. "I was expecting some rain in Al Ain, so I am not surprised," he said.

He said the year is heading into hotter summer months during which Al Ain and some other parts of the emirates receive isolated rain showers.

According to the NCMS, the conditions are likely to be partly cloudy with some towering clouds in the eastern parts of the country today. Winds would be moderately rough which would later pick up speed.
They may also kick up dust and sand in the western and internal open lands.

Humidity is expected to increase in the coastal areas and the sea will be slightly to moderately rough.