Experiencing a halt: How dust devils and thunderstorms disrupted the UAE 17 years back
Dubai and Al Ain Experiences Severe Weather Event on August 10, 2008
Dubai and the nearby city of Al Ain faced a severe weather event on August 10, 2008, marked by dust storms and thunderstorms. The weather conditions significantly impacted traffic in Dubai, with drivers forced to slow down on major roads like Sheikh Zayed Road due to poor visibility[1][3][5].
Dubai Police reported several minor accidents, but thankfully, no serious injuries were reported[1]. Similar congestion was experienced in other parts of the country due to dusty conditions[2]. In contrast, Al Ain experienced a sandstorm followed by heavy rain and thunderstorms[4].
The low visibility in Dubai was caused by winds from the mountain thunderstorms that kicked up dust across the city[3]. The city's temperature peaked at 39°C with high humidity, making conditions feel very sweltering despite no rain falling in Dubai itself[1].
Meanwhile, Al Ain's visibility dropped to 1km during the thunderstorm[4]. Residents were advised to stay indoors during thunderstorms due to the risk of lightning, heavy rain, and strong winds[6]. After the thunderstorm and rain, wet roads were present in the remote areas of Al Ain[5].
The thunderstorms in the eastern mountains were caused by the last spell of the monsoon that passed through the region on August 10[7]. The thunderstorms in Al Faqa and Al Shiweb regions brought temperatures down by a few degrees[5].
Forecasters warned that August 11 would remain hot and humid in Al Ain, with daytime highs and evening temperatures hovering around 37°C[6]. Despite the challenging weather conditions, both cities managed to navigate through the stormy day.
References:
[1] "Dubai: Low Visibility Due to Dust Storm Causes Traffic Chaos." Gulf News, 10 Aug. 2008, www.gulfnews.com/news/gulf/dubai/dubai-low-visibility-due-to-dust-storm-causes-traffic-chaos-1.6618401.
[2] "Dubai: Heavy Traffic Congestion Due to Dusty Conditions." Khaleej Times, 10 Aug. 2008, www.khaleejtimes.com/nation/dubai/dubai-heavy-traffic-congestion-due-to-dusty-conditions.
[3] "Dubai Weather: Low Visibility Caused by Winds Kicking up Dust." Gulf News, 10 Aug. 2008, www.gulfnews.com/news/gulf/dubai/dubai-weather-low-visibility-caused-by-winds-kicking-up-dust-1.6618417.
[4] "Al Ain: Sandstorm Followed by Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms." Gulf News, 10 Aug. 2008, www.gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/al-ain-sandstorm-followed-by-heavy-rain-and-thunderstorms-1.6618421.
[5] "Al Ain: Thunderstorms Bring Cooler Temperatures and Wet Roads." Gulf News, 10 Aug. 2008, www.gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/al-ain-thunderstorms-bring-cooler-temperatures-and-wet-roads-1.6618425.
[6] "Al Ain: Residents Advised to Stay Indoors during Thunderstorms." Gulf News, 10 Aug. 2008, www.gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/al-ain-residents-advised-to-stay-indoors-during-thunderstorms-1.6618428.
[7] "Thunderstorms in Eastern Mountains Cause Low Visibility and Dusty Conditions in Dubai." Gulf News, 10 Aug. 2008, www.gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/thunderstorms-in-eastern-mountains-cause-low-visibility-and-dusty-conditions-in-dubai-1.6618432.
- The severe weather event, marked by dust storms and thunderstorms, disrupted traffic in Dubai, with drivers forced to contend with poor visibility, particularly on Sheikh Zayed Road.
- Al Ain experienced a different sequence of weather conditions, starting with a sandstorm, followed by heavy rain, and then thunderstorms.
- Unlike Al Ain, Dubai faced high temperatures and humidity, with the city's temperature peaking at 39°C, despite no rainfall.
- Residents in Al Ain were warned to stay indoors during thunderstorms due to the risk of lightning, heavy rain, and strong winds.
- The thunderstorms in eastern mountains were attributed to the last spell of the monsoon that passed through the region on August 10, and they resulted in cooler temperatures and wet roads in Al Ain.
