Heavy showers, hail in RAK; temperatures to cool down
ras al khaimah — Residents in Ras Al Khaimah received a good spell of rain followed by hail, for the first time this year.
The heavy showers which lashed different parts of the emirate left some ponds of water, mainly in the deep valleys and mountainous areas, such as Jebel Jais — the highest peak in the UAE.
“Large pieces of hail, along with moderate to heavy showers also lashed Khor Khuweir, Julphar and North Nakheel areas, whereas the Wadi Ghalila was flooded with rainwater,” said Abdullah Al Shemeili, an Emirati government retiree.
“I always take the family out to enjoy the rain and fine weather, mainly close to the mountainous areas and nearby valleys,” said Ali Saeed, an Emirati government employee here.
Brig Dr Mohammed Saeed Al Humaidi, director-general of the central operations room, RAK police, said they are ready for the downpour, and deployed more traffic patrols to ensure traffic flow and recover vehicles that get stuck in the water.
“All motorists need to be alert and reduce speed on the road during rain. Seafarers, beach and valleys-goers, and motorists have been urged to be cautious during the unstable weather.”
Residents of areas much exposed to the showers and strong winds, are requested to be careful, and call (999) in case of emergency, Dr Humaidi urged.
The RAK department of public works and services has also deployed tankers to suck out the accumulated water particularly at low lying areas and major roads.
According to the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology, the UAE weather will be partly cloudy in general, and cloudy at times.
Fresh northwesterly winds will prevail during the day in general, becoming strong at times over the sea, causing dust and poor visibility over exposed areas. The sea will be rough to very rough in the Arabian Gulf, and moderate to rough in Oman Sea.
A significant fall in temperatures is expected in general.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com