UAE weather: dust storms reduce visibility, rain expected on Monday

Burj Al Arab looks blurred from a distance as dust storms reduce visibility in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A mosque in Al Samha on a dusty and hazy day in Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A cyclist covers his face as wind blows up sand in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Dubai is expected to get scattered rainfall accompanied by storms this week. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Visibility was reduced in Abu Dhabi and Dubai on Sunday as strong winds whipped up dust and sand.

Winds will hit 55kph, with dusty conditions expected to continue on Monday.

Rain will fall over the eastern Al Dhafra region on Monday, with thunder and lightning expected over Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

The temperature is expected to drop to 14°C on Monday with a high of 32°C in Abu Dhabi.

In Dubai and the Northern Emirates, the barometer will drop to 16°C with a high of 29°C.

Seas in the Arabia Gulf will be rough with offshore waves of three metres due to southeasterly and northeasterly winds.

Skies will begin to clear over Abu Dhabi on Monday.

Heavy fog will build up in coastal areas on Wednesday and Thursday morning, with a gradual increase in temperature.

Unstable weather in the UAE is customary in March and April during the transition to hot weather.