A red alert has been issued by the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) warning UAE residents of dense fog and reduced visibility, which could worsen at times. The alert, which calls for immediate caution, is active from 4 a.m. to 9 a.m. on September 11. An earlier yellow alert, issued at 2 a.m., had already cautioned residents about the foggy conditions.
The red alert requires residents to “take action” and be extremely vigilant as hazardous weather conditions are expected. This follows a similar warning issued yesterday, September 10, as dense fog continued to affect multiple areas. Yellow alerts, in contrast, encourage residents to be aware of weather changes, especially for outdoor activities.
Areas affected by the fog include Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Road (Ghantout in Abu Dhabi), Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Road towards Dubai (Ajban in Abu Dhabi), Zayed International Airport, Dubai-Al Ain road, Khalifa Industrial Zone, Sweihan in Al Ain, Saih Shuaib, Al Haffar, and Al Khatim. In response, speed reduction systems have been activated on several roads in Abu Dhabi, and motorists are advised to adhere to speed limits and drive cautiously.
This fog marks a transition in weather patterns as the UAE moves away from peak summer temperatures. The sighting of the Suhail star on August 24 signaled the end of peak summer, initiating the “Sufriya” period, a 40-day transition toward cooler temperatures. The autumn equinox, on September 23, will further mark the shift as daytime and nighttime hours become equal, and temperatures are expected to drop in the latter half of the month.
Today’s Weather Forecast For September 11, the NCM predicts fair to partly cloudy weather. Nighttime humidity could result in continued fog or mist on Thursday morning, especially in coastal and inland areas to the west. Winds are expected to be light to moderate, with occasional fresh gusts during the day, potentially causing blowing dust in eastern regions. Seas will remain calm in both the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea.
