This Wednesday morning, the UAE woke up to a thick blanket of white fog, significantly affecting visibility and making driving conditions challenging across several highways. Motorists had to drive at a snail's pace, with visibility dropping to as low as 1,000 meters or less in some areas. Despite expert advice against it, some drivers resorted to using their hazard lights.

Treacherous Driving Conditions

The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) issued a red warning early in the morning, urging motorists to exercise extreme caution. At 4:47 am, Abu Dhabi Police took immediate action, sounding a blaring siren alarm to alert motorists about the hazardous fog. They implemented a dynamic speed control system, reducing speed limits to 80 km/h on certain internal and external roads. Motorists were advised to stay vigilant and adhere to the changing speed limits displayed on electronic information boards.

Expect Traffic and Delays

With the morning rush hour underway, traffic delays were inevitable. The heavy fog forced many drivers to slow down, contributing to congestion on the roads. Authorities emphasized the importance of driving carefully and remaining patient during these conditions.

Weather Outlook

While residents can generally expect fair weather conditions, humidity levels are set to rise by night and into Thursday morning, potentially bringing more fog or mist in coastal and internal regions. Winds will remain light to moderate, occasionally freshening, and the sea will transition from rough in the morning towards the west to moderate or slight in the Arabian Gulf, staying slight in the Oman Sea.

Slight Tremors Felt

Adding to the unusual morning, the UAE Met Department reported slight tremors felt by residents following minor earthquakes in the Oman Sea. An earthquake of 3.1 magnitude struck near the coast of Ras Al Khaimah at 12:12 am, followed by another quake of 2.8 magnitude at 1:53 am. Both earthquakes occurred at a depth of 10 km and, according to the Met Department, did not have any significant impact on the UAE.

Stay Safe

With the combination of heavy fog and slight tremors, this Wednesday has been anything but ordinary. Motorists are advised to stay safe, adhere to speed limits, and be prepared for potential delays on the roads. Stay tuned for further updates from the NCM and local authorities.