Rain, wind expected in UAE northern emirates

Light to moderate rain Friday night and Saturday morning hit scattered areas across the UAE, breaking the long dry spell and bringing a sense of relief. Isolated rain fell in Dubai, parts of Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain. In some areas it was just a drizzle. Drops began splattering the dusty streets in Dubai in the evening,  motorists travelling on Emirates Road and residents of Jebel Ali reported to Gulf News. It was a little heaver in the Jebel Jas area of Ras Al Khaimah. Al Ain received a light shower at around 1.30am but it was just for few minutes. Scattered rain also reported from the area between Al Ain and Abu Dhabi. Forecasters said they expected rain, winds, and cloudy conditions for the next two days. The National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) said they expected some more light to moderate showers Saturday in the northern emirates. The winds are expected to be blowing at a speed of 40 to 50km/h but could go up to the gusty speed of 60km/h at times in some areas. The sea will be very rough with waves as high as eight to 10 feet offshore. Chance of light thunderstorms and rough seas were higher in the upper northern areas and Gulf of Oman, forecasters said. Strong north-western winds were likely to blow dust and sand in the western region and open areas of Abu Dhabi Emirate, reducing horizontal visibility. Temperatures were also expected to drop significantly Saturday, forecasters said.