Wind and snowfall send UAE into a freeze

Weather warnings being issued from Wednesday turned to reality in the UAE with rain and strong wind sending temperatures to freezing level.

The National Center for Seismology and Meteorology reported the dip in temperature in Jebel Jais Mountain in Ras Al Khaimah to -2.2 degree Celsius.

Visibility in some areas has decreased to 100 meters, as sandstorms and strong winds hit the country, said a forecaster from NCMS.

Temperatures across the country are reported to be between 12-17C, and are expected to drop in the evening.

On Thursday evening itself, many parts of the Emirates had experienced strong rainfall which lasted through the night.
Golf tourney postponed.

The high-profile golf tournament underway in Dubai was a casualty, with second day’s play suspended due to high winds. The organizers have announced that play will resume from 7.30am on Saturday morning.

It was a double whammy for the organizers as well as sport enthusiasts with the news of golfing giant Tiger Woods pulling out of the tournament after an overnight back spasm. This was only Tiger’s third tournament back after a 15-month back injury lay-off.

A cultural community event - the Oasis Afternoons activities in Al Ain- being organized by Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority was also postponed. The two-day event to be held on Friday and Saturday was scheduled to kick off a year-long series of festivities.