UAE bad weather: Thunderstorms, rain lash Dubai, 36 flights diverted

The rain and thunder has begun, as forecast by the NCMS - with several readers reporting heavy rain in Jebel Ali and Tecom. Some areas of Dubai are also reported to see heavy thunder. The weather continues to affect flight schedules, with 36 flights diverted between last night and this morning arriving into the rain-drenched emirate. Dubai Airports also confirmed that four of those 36 flights were diverted this morning, without commenting whether more major delays or diversions are anticipated. In a statement to Emirates 24|7, a spokesperson from Dubai Airports said: “A total of 36 flights coming into Dubai were diverted to different airports in the UAE and neighbouring countries owing to extreme weather conditions overnight. “Four of those flights were diverted this morning. However, of the 36 flights, 34 have so far arrived into Dubai International.” When quizzed about further delays expected, the spokesperson added: “Passengers should check with their respective airlines about anticipated delays.” Meanwhile, passengers have taken to Twitter about delayed flights this morning, even as the airport website confirms the same. H Sajwani wrote: “Tweeting from inside EK 378; flight still grounded as we have a 40 minute delay due to weather conditions at Dubai Airport.” He updated his tweet just now, adding: “No signs of push back as rain in Dubai delays departure at airport.” The Dubai Airport website confirms that Emirates is experiencing delays on several departures this morning, including Phuket, Auckland, Guangzhou, Mauritius, Perth and St Petersburg. Budget carrier flydubai is also experiencing delays on its Kuwait, Taif and Kabul departures. Meanwhile, its Doha 11.30am arrival has been cancelled. Saturday blues Thunderstorms laso lashed the UAE last night, capping a day of terrible weather – sand and dust storms making going outdoors impossible and reducing visibility for motorists. While some international flights arriving and departing from Dubai International Airport were delayed, this flight schedule this morning seemed to be back on track according to the schedule on the airport’s website. However, there seems to be no respite from the inclement weather, despite the haze of dust particles that seemed to have enveloped Dubai yesterday, lifting in the early morning today. The National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) has forecast that the  weather will be hazy to partly cloudy, and with a chance of rain. It added that a northwesterly wind will blow over most areas causing dust to rise and reducing horizontal, especially in the western areas. Relative humidity will increase during night and early morning. The sea is forecast to be moderate, with a slight chance of night and early morning fog over some areas tomorrow. Dubai Police warns motorists to drive with caution due to low visibility. On the Twitter page of Dubai Police, a tweet went out at 5.30pm on Saturday, stating: "Please take caution on the roads due to the low visibility because of the dusty air, have a safe journey." Five accidents were reported yesterday. Three of the accidents took place on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road. At 7.00am an accident took place opposite Global Village, in the direction of Abu Dhabi, followed by a second accident at 11.45am opposite the Vegetable Market, in the direction of Sharjah. A little more than an hour later, an accident took place towards Al Rashidiya bridge, in the direction of Abu Dhabi. Skeikh Zayed Road was not free of accidents; at 12.57pm an accident took place in the direction of Abu Dhabi. On Defaa Bridge towards the Dubai Mall exit another accident took place at 11.05am. On Saturday, an early morning drizzle in parts of the UAE gave way to severe sandy and dusty conditions, as strong winds blew across the UAE. Motorists were on the alert for rain, as a storm anticipated to hit over the weekend ended up leaving the country in a dusty and sandy haze. The maximum expected temperatures on Saturday will be 29°C in Fujairah, 34°C in Dubai and Ajman, 35°C in Abu Dhabi, 36°C in Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain and 37°C in Ras Al Khaimah, the NCMS said. Emirates 24/7