ABU DHABI // Strong winds whipped up sand and dust, leading to low visibility on Dubai's roads and the southeastern part of the country today. The National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology warned of slight to moderate winds that would freshen at times and cause dust and haze over open areas. Residents took to Twitter with photos of a sandstorm on Sheikh Zayed Road and other areas, including the Dubai International Financial Centre. Others tweeted photos of rain in some parts of the country. "In a matter of seconds the weather changed to this," wrote one Twitter user, "This is by far the worst sandstorm I have ever experienced." Jay Mathur tweeted spectacular photos, while Patrick Daou captured an image of the wild weather on Sheikh Zayed Road. A forecaster at the centre, however, said: "What we are experiencing now is not a sandstorm but blowing dust and sand over the open land between Dubai and Sharjah towards the southeast of the country. It was mainly due to the formation of the convective clouds." Wind speeds rose to 58kph, and horizontal visibility was reduced to below 500 metres on Emirates Road. Rain hit some parts of Dubai and Sharjah because of the formation of convective clouds, the centre forecaster said. Al Dhaid in the northern Emirates recorded 21.2mm of rain, and Al Qattara and Al Foah in Al Ain recorded 7.8mm and 0.2mm of rain, respectively. The centre warned motorists to drive with caution as winds kick up sand again tomorrow. There will be moderate winds, freshening at times, causing blowing dust and sand over the interior and open areas. Relative humidity will increase at night and in the early morning over the western coast and some internal areas. The weather will be hot and hazy during the day, with a chance of towering clouds and rain over the eastern and northern parts of the country. rruiz@thenational.ae <em>Video courtesy of mohdfikree via Instagram</em>
