UAE weather: Rain and high wind warning ahead of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

ABU DHABI // Weather warnings have been issued for northern and eastern areas of the country as well as on islands this weekend, although they look unlikely to affect the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Yas Island.

Thundery rain and partly cloudy skies can be expected on Thursday with poor visibility due to strong winds in the east, which have been blowing up a sand storm, according to the National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology.

Rain was reported on Wednesday night and Thursday morning over areas including Fujairah, Dibba, Murbeh and Khorfakkan. Rain is also expected in the western region of Abu Dhabi, in Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah.

Warnings of windy conditions at the Arabian Gulf and Sea of Oman have also been issued.

Rain feel across the east coast of the UAE on Wednesday

Temperatures this weekend look promising, particularly for racegoers expected to spend full days at Yas Marina Circuit in the capital.

Along the coast, temperatures will vary between 16°C and 30°C, with a range of 14°C to 32°C forecast inland.

Those spending their weekend in the mountainous regions of Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah can expect even cooler temperatures of 13°C to 23°C.

Humidity will range between 15 and 95 per cent across the country.

The skyline in the eastern areas of the UAE on Thursday morning

Similar conditions are forecast on Friday and Saturday, with rough seas expected in the Arabian Gulf and Sea of Oman.

Scott Windsor, an avid race fan, said no matter the weather, it would be an exciting weekend.

“I don’t know what I’m looking forward to more this year, the races or the concerts,” said the 32-year-old financial consultant.

“I’ve been for the last three years and whether it’s cloudy, hot, rainy, it’s all about the cars and the music for me. There’s always a great atmosphere and the people who go are the kind of crowds who wouldn’t be put off by the rain, I’m sure.”