UAE Dust Storm Alert: Strong Winds Hit Multiple Emirates Today

The UAE’s weather authorities have issued urgent warnings as a severe dust storm cuts visibility to 100 meters in many parts of the UAE. The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) has raised an orange alert. Strong northwesterly winds sweep the region at speeds up to 50 km/h. The daytime temperatures will range between 32 and 37 degrees Celsius.

The dusty weather will continue until April 20. Residents now face rough seas in the Arabian Gulf and poor visibility from blowing sand. The weather system has triggered complete safety advisories, especially for drivers in affected areas. On top of that, authorities urge people to stay indoors and avoid dust exposure during peak wind hours.

NCM issues dust storm alert across UAE

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UAE’s National Center of Meteorology has stepped up its weather warnings due to dangerous conditions. Multiple orange and yellow alerts now signal hazardous weather events that need immediate attention. Northwesterly winds are blowing dust and sand throughout the country, making life difficult for residents.

Wind speeds have hit up to 50 km/h. Road conditions are very poor and visibility has dropped substantially. Some areas report visibility as low as 100 meters, while others show readings below 3000 meters. Driving has become extremely dangerous in these conditions.

Weather alerts will stay active until at least April 17, 2025. Forecasts suggest dusty conditions might stretch through April 20. Strong winds will likely dominate the northern and eastern parts of the country.

NCM strongly recommends checking official sources for weather updates. Their website and social media channels provide immediate updates and safety guidelines.

These warnings cover major regions including:

• Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra

Weather experts predict extreme dusty conditions will continue tomorrow. Authorities are watching the situation closely. Yellow alerts highlight concerns about dust, wind, and rough seas. Warnings about fresh winds and rough conditions in the Oman Sea will remain active until 8:30 pm.

NCM advises residents to secure all doors and windows to keep dust out and avoid going outside in dusty conditions. Abu Dhabi Police has asked drivers to be extra careful on roads with poor visibility and stay focused while driving.

Moderate to fresh northwesterly winds continue to stir up dust and sand. This reduces horizontal visibility periodically across affected areas.

Authorities advise public to take safety precautions

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UAE government agencies have issued safety guidelines due to severe dust conditions. The Ministry of Health and Prevention asks residents to stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed when dust storms get worse. People who need to go outside should wear protective face masks and goggles to protect against dust particles.

Dust storms pose higher risks to infants, young children, elderly people, and those with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Medical experts suggest using air purifiers at home and work to lower dust allergens that could worsen breathing problems.

Abu Dhabi Police released these important safety rules for drivers in affected areas:

• Drive slowly and keep safe distances between vehicles
• Use headlights (not hazard lights) when visibility is poor
• Avoid sudden braking or lane changes during the storm
• Don’t use phones or record videos while driving

The National Center of Meteorology stresses the need to protect homes from dust. “Keep all windows and doors tightly closed to prevent dust from entering buildings,” advised the NCM. Residents should use weather stripping or draft stoppers under doors and check window screens for damage.

The authorities have restricted water activities. Fishing boats, small yachts, and leisure crafts should not go to sea during this unstable period. Dubai Municipality and other civic bodies make sure street cleaners and sanitation workers have masks and protective clothing to guard against dust-related health risks.

Staying indoors offers the best protection. People who must go outside should avoid heavy physical activity. They need to get medical help right away if they feel chest tightness, breathing difficulty, or severe eye irritation. The authorities send regular updates through official channels to help people stay safe during the dust event.

Residents report disruptions to daily life

Dust storms sweeping through the UAE have disrupted daily life across the country. Schools have taken emergency steps by canceling outdoor activities and sports events due to health risks. Many educational institutions are getting ready to switch to remote learning if the situation gets worse.

The storms hit the transportation sector hard. Poor visibility on roads led to 1,044 traffic accidents in just 48 hours. A major multi-vehicle crash in Abu Dhabi claimed three lives and left 44 people injured. Dubai’s Police received about 16,000 emergency calls when the storm was at its peak.

The storms caused problems for air travel too. Dubai and Abu Dhabi International Airports warned travelers about possible delays. Neighboring countries had to shut down several airports completely. Kuwait’s three major ports stopped their operations temporarily.

Hospitals throughout the region saw a rush of patients. Saudi Arabian emergency rooms treated 1,285 people with breathing problems. Iraqi hospitals helped around 4,000 people who struggled to breathe. Doctors warn that people with asthma or COPD face greater dangers during these conditions.

The storms affected more than just transportation and health. Parts of the Middle East experienced power cuts lasting up to 24 hours. Mobile phones and internet services stopped working properly, which made daily tasks harder.

Public services kept running despite these challenges. The public transport system continued operating with extra cleaning measures, though some intercity bus routes stopped due to zero visibility. Emergency teams remained ready to respond, and city workers cleared sand from main roads regularly.

This severe weather event poses one of the biggest challenges UAE residents have faced. The harsh conditions will last until April 20, according to weather authorities. Emergency response teams stay alert in all affected areas. The situation disrupts transportation, healthcare and daily life, but government agencies have shown they’re ready with detailed safety protocols and clear public guidance.

Dust storms do more than just reduce visibility. Medical experts warn about long-term health risks, especially for vulnerable people. The safety measures that authorities put in place, combined with how well residents follow them, help reduce risks during these tough weather conditions. UAE’s reliable emergency response system has proven adaptable and quick to protect people despite the weather’s intensity.

Weather authorities remind everyone to stay informed through official channels as the situation changes. People should stick to safety guidelines and take shelter indoors. They need to be careful about travel until the weather gets substantially better.