Abu Dhabi hit by fog as weather alert is issued

Police cut speed limits in the emirate amid low visibility

Fog covers Reem Island in Abu Dhabi. Stephen Nelmes / The National

Fog rolls in over Abu Dhabi's city centre. Tim Knowles / The National

Visibility was greatly reduced in the early morning. Tom Herbert / The National

The sun pierces through the mist. Tim Knowles / The National

The fog clears to reveal blue skies. Tim Knowles / The National

Residents experienced a chilly start to the morning as some areas sank below 10°C in the early hours and were still around 14°C by 8am on Thursday. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Fog drifts across Qasr Al Hosn. The National Centre of Meteorology issued an alert as the murky weather descended over most of the coastline, stretching deep inland. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Speed limits were reduced on several motorways in the UAE capital on Thursday as a result of the fog. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Fog also affected Reem Island. Drivers were told not to exceed 80kph on a number of major roads as visibility was reduced to less than 1,000 metres. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

The fog was expected to lift by the late morning. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Abu Dhabi was shrouded in fog on Tuesday morning as speeds limits were reduced on roads because of low visibility.

An unsettled start to the year continued as fog rolled in, prompting the UAE's weather centre to issue an alert.

The National Centre of Meteorology announced a fog notice for large areas of the capital from 1.30am until 9.30am.

The NCM said fog formed over the Razeen and Arjan areas of Abu Dhabi shortly before 7am.

Abu Dhabi Police called on motorists to be vigilant amid challenging road conditions in a post on Twitter on Tuesday morning.

The force urged drivers to “exercise caution due to reduced visibility during the fog and to follow changing speed limits displayed on electronic information boards".

Authorities reduced speed limits to 80 kilometres per hour on a number of routes.

The NCM predicted further fog and mist, in internal and coastal areas, until Friday.

As skies clear during Tuesday, however, temperatures are expected to climb.

The weather centre forecasts temperatures will hit highs of 27°C in Abu Dhabi and 26°C in Dubai.