Fresh to strong winds loaded with dust pounded most of the country early morning Thursday causing reduced visibility in some areas, especially Abu Dhabi.
The National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) on Thursday warned residents, especially motorists, of reduced visibility to less than 500 meters at times due to fresh to strong wind loaded and causing blowing dust.
The hazy condition is forecasted to persist throughout the day, and over some parts on Friday. Residents with respiratory ailments have been advised to take precautions and stay indoors whenever possible.
Fresh to strong winds with speeds of 36km/h to 44km/h are blowing into various parts of the country, carrying dust and sand particles. Over the islands, strong winds blow at 52km/h.
Scattered areas of western parts of the country and Abu Dhabi experienced reduced visibility due to dusty conditions as early midnight in areas like Al Ghuwaifat and Al Silaa.
NCMS has issued a warning against heading out to sea as the Arabian Gulf will be rough to very rough with wave height reaching up to five feet onshore and up to 12 feet offshore. Oman Sea will be moderate to rough with wave height expected to be up to four feet onshore and eight feet offshore.