Cold winds expected to die down Wednesday

The cold and stormy shamal (north-westerly) wind is expected to start weakening from today, letting temperatures gradually return to normal. Conditions will, however, continue to be cold during the day and very cold tonight, according to the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS). The forecast also indicates fresh north-westerly winds that will be stronger over the sea. There is also the chance of an increase in humidity at night in some coastal and internal areas. This could lead to mist forming in southern internal areas. Winds are likely to blow up dust and sand in some parts of the country, especially in the western open-land area. Arabian Gulf waters are still stormy with six to seven feet (1.83-2.13metre) high waves and the national weather bureau has again warned people to stay away from the sea. The shamal winds have been the cause of the problem offshore where even large and medium-sized vessels have been battling with high waves. "Small boats and fishing trawlers cannot survive out there," said the NCMS. Yesterday, some seven feet high waves were reported at around 9am near Zakum Island in the Arabian Sea by the NCMS. The mercury is still at its lowest levels across the country and the centre reported 0.35C in the Jebel Jais area at 9.15am. The country has been braving the season's coldest and windiest days since Friday when shamal winds started entering the Arabian Gulf region and the cold front moved to the UAE. Scattered rain added to people's difficulties. The sea was also stormy. Ahmad Waleed, a Syrian expatriate in Al Ain, said he loved the weather as it reminded him of his hometown and he wished it could continue. Waleed who has been living in Al Ain for the past eight years said he had never experienced such cold nights in the UAE. However, Mohammad Salam Al Shamsi, an Emirati who has a farm in the outskirts of Al Ain said it was really bad weather and he had to make special arrangements to protect his animals.