Dubai weather warning as hot, hazy dust storm sweeps across UAE

Dubai was blanketed in dust on Sunday morning as a yellow-tinged storm swept across the United Arab Emirates.

Many residents complained of heightened allergies as dust particles filled the air. People with asthma and chest conditions were advised to avoid the dust where possible.

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) issued a warning over strong 50km/h winds that swept dust over Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah. Drivers were urged to drive carefully with the storm impacting visibility.

An NCM weather forecaster told the Dubai-based Gulf News that the UAE is currently experiencing the Shammal season.

“The shammal is used to describe north-northwesterly winds that causes rough sea and blows dust over coastal and internal areas. The shammal winds are coming from Saudi Arabia, which brings the dust into the UAE. We cannot say for certain how long these winds will last because it depends on the pressure front and a number of other factors,” said the weather forecaster.

With temperatures reaching 43 degrees Celsius on Sunday, the weather is expected to remain hot and hazy until Tuesday.