UAE weather: Red alert issued for fog as visibility drops

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been gripped by severe fog conditions, prompting authorities to issue red and yellow alerts across the region. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) reported significantly reduced visibility, particularly in western areas over the sea and islands, leading to disruptions in daily activities. School buses were delayed, and motorists were advised to exercise extreme caution while driving. Sharjah Police emphasized the importance of maintaining safe distances between vehicles and reducing speed. Additionally, Abu Dhabi Police activated speed reduction systems on key roads, including Sweihan Road and the Abu Dhabi-Al Ain route, to ensure safety. The weather forecast predicts fair to partly cloudy conditions, with humidity expected to increase by night and into Friday morning. Light to moderate winds, reaching speeds of up to 40 km/hr, may cause blowing dust in some areas. Temperatures are expected to drop to lows of 23ºC in Dubai, 21ºC in Abu Dhabi, and 18ºC in Sharjah. The Arabian Gulf will experience slight to moderate sea conditions, while the Oman Sea remains calm. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and urge residents to stay updated on weather advisories.