Abu Dhabi Corniche beach closed; dusty weather to continue until March 28

Abu Dhabi - There could also be chance for rainfall starting Tuesday (March 26) night.

Abu Dhabi Corniche beach has been closed for residents due to the weather conditions as the vagaries of weather have continued for a second day with unusually dusty wind choking the UAE on Tuesday (March 26).
"We have closed down the entry gates to the beach and not allowing people to use the beach. The beach will remain unaccessible till we get instructions from authorities," said a guard.
Residents who spoke to Khaleej Times they were surprised to find out the beach was closed. "We were not planning to swim. But the security guards did not allow us even to take a stroll on the beach," said a resident.
A blanket of dust and blowing sand dropped visibility to less than one and a half kilometres, and weathermen have predicted that unstable weather conditions will continue till Thursday. There could also be chance for rainfall starting Tuesday (March 26) night, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) in UAE.
"The blowing dust and sand is caused by the fresh to strong north easterly wind coming from the Arabian desert. The wind speed today is between 25 to 45kmph and reaching up to 60kmph," a weather forecaster at NCM told Khaleej Times. The maximum temperature on Tuesday is 37°C and expected to touch a minimum of 14°C.
NCM has also issued warnings asking motorists to take extreme care while driving due to poor visibility. "The temperature is expected to drop drastically by March 28. In coastal areas, we should expect the temperatures to drop to a minimum of six to nine degrees," said the weatherman.
Many Abu Dhabi residents were seen wearing masks while going out. "I feel choked in this dust. My doctor said it is better to wear masks to avoid contracting infections," said Jospin, a Filipino expat.
Swapna Sukumar, an Indian mother, said she was hesitant to go out because of the dust. "I think this was the worst weather day this year. I am allergic to dust and I try to avoid exposure."
NCM has also warned of heavy rains in scattered areas as convective cloud formation associated with rainfall and fresh winds are expected on Wednesday (March 27).
Sea in the Arabian Gulf could remain rough to very rough with waves as high as 11-feet hitting the shores. "We have issued warning to fishermen and people going to the sea due to the rough sea.
Health tips during dusty weather
>Avoid going out
>Cover nose and eyes using a face mask or damp cloth
>Avoid rubbing eyes
>Wear sunglasses while going out
>Use eye drops if your eyes are itchy and irritated
>Keep your windows closed
anjana@khaleejtimes.com