UAE: Warning of downwinds leading to heavy dust storms in the vicinity of thunderclouds

Arab Weather - The latest satellite images indicate a massive thunderstorm advancing toward the southern regions, particularly the desert, accompanied by heavy rains and strong downdrafts that could trigger sandstorms.

Scattered thunderstorms are expected to form over various parts of the country in the coming hours, with a warning of downward winds that will stir up dust and dirt, which could significantly reduce horizontal visibility.

According to the National Center of Meteorology:

There is a chance of cumulus clouds forming, accompanied by rain and active to strong winds, sometimes reaching 45 km/h, causing dust and dirt to rise, reducing horizontal visibility to less than 2,000 meters in some eastern and southern areas, from 4:30 PM until 9:00 PM on Thursday, August 21, 2025.