Thunderstorms and rain to hit UAE

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Strong south-easterly winds are expected to bring thunderstorms and lightning along with scattered rain to the UAE from tomorrow, as the developing unsettled weather brought light rain on Sunday.

The weather system has currently been giving rain and thunderstorms in Qatar and Bahrain, with a gradual movement towards the emirates, said Dr S. K. Gupta, a forecaster at the Dubai Meteorological Office.

"March and April are the months of thundery showers in the UAE, and we are expecting such activity from Tuesday to Thursday," he said. The system, said Gupta, has developed under an atmospheric low pressure over the South Eastern Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Sunday morning's intermittent drizzle brought cheers to people. The sky had been overcast since Saturday night in different parts of the country, but the rain was experienced only in Dubai, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah. The weatherman forecast similar conditions for today as well.

Weathermen explained the phenomenon, saying that the current hot temperature has been heating up the air in the emirates. Warm air that is often moisture laden has a lower density and goes up into the upper cool air. The moisture condenses and forms Cumulonimbus clouds that support lightning and thunder.

He said the maximum temperature stands at 36C while the minimum stands at 26C in Dubai. The conditions are hotter in other cities such as Al Ain (38C) and Ras Al Khaimah (37C). The winds and rain have increased humidity that lingers between maximum 85 per cent to minimum 80 per cent.

The National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology said this is the period the transition period between winter and summer and is characterised by rapid changes in weather. The centre has also warned of a strong south-east and south-west wind and high sea this morning.
Gulf News