UAE weather alert: Fog returns as humidity hits 95pc and temperatures reach 46°C
Early morning mist prompts warnings for motorists across key areas
DUBAI – Fog covered parts of the UAE early on Saturday, reducing visibility in several areas and prompting Abu Dhabi Police to introduce temporary speed restrictions.
A fog alert was issued for coastal and inland areas, with visibility expected to deteriorate significantly and potentially fall close to zero at times. Humid conditions are forecast to continue overnight and during the early mornings in the coming days, keeping the risk of fog or mist elevated.
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) warned of fog from late Friday night into Saturday morning, while another red alert was issued from 12.30am to 8.30am. Drivers heading out during periods of reduced visibility have been urged to remain alert and follow safety instructions and electronic road signs.
Road alerts
Abu Dhabi Police temporarily reduced speed limits to 80km/h on several major roads as fog affected visibility. The restrictions apply to sections of the Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Road, including routes between Al Wathbah and Al Faya, and Al Khaznah and Al Rimah.
Reduced speeds were also introduced on Al Taff Road between Sweihan and Al Ajban and between Sweihan and Al Saad Bridge. Restrictions covered Umm Az Zumoul Road between Bu Krayyah and Sha'ab Al Ghaf, as well as Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Road between KIZAD and Seih Shuaib.
ضباب كثيف على طريق سويحان ناهل يرجى اخذ الحيطة والحذر واتباع اللازم. ومتوقع زيادته خلال الساعات القليله القادمة والله اعلم#مركز_العاصفة #أخبار_الإمارات pic.twitter.com/l0Nlc0Vfmd
— مركز العاصفة (@Storm_centre) September 25, 2026
Other affected routes included Mohamed Al Falahi Al Yasi Road between Al Mirfa and Zayed City, Sheikha Salama bint Butti Road, sections of Sweihan Road, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road and Al Fayah Road.
The temporary limits are part of Abu Dhabi's variable speed system, which allows authorities to lower speeds when fog or other conditions reduce visibility. Motorists are required to follow the limits displayed on electronic information boards while the restrictions remain active.
Police have also advised drivers to maintain a safe distance, avoid sudden manoeuvres and remain attentive to changing speed limits.
Weekend outlook
The UAE is expected to experience generally fair weather with partly cloudy skies at times on Saturday. Temperatures could climb to 46°C in some inland areas, while coastal areas and islands are expected to record between 36°C and 41°C. Mountain temperatures are forecast to range from 29°C to 35°C.
Dubai and Sharjah could reach 37°C, while Abu Dhabi is forecast to reach 38°C. Overnight temperatures may drop to around 28°C in Dubai and 27°C in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
Humidity could reach 95 per cent in some coastal and inland areas, increasing the likelihood of fog or mist late on Saturday and during the early hours of Sunday.
Winds will generally blow at 10 to 20km/h and could reach 30km/h at times. The Arabian Gulf and Sea of Oman are expected to remain slight.
Coming days
On Sunday, conditions are forecast to remain fair to partly cloudy, with clouds developing over eastern parts of the country. Humidity is expected to rise again overnight and into Monday morning, bringing another chance of fog or mist in coastal and inland areas.
توقعات بتشكل الضباب على مناطق الدولة خلال الأيام القادمة #أخبار_الإمارات #مركز_العاصفة
— مركز العاصفة (@Storm_centre) September 25, 2026
25/09/2026 pic.twitter.com/1Mtl5aY9K4
Monday could bring more unsettled conditions in the east, with clouds potentially becoming convective during the afternoon. Winds may reach 35km/h at times, while overnight humidity could again produce fog or mist.
Similar conditions are expected on Tuesday and Wednesday, with eastern cloud development and recurring overnight humidity. Fog or mist may return during the early mornings, while winds could reach 35km/h.
The Sea of Oman could become slight to moderate and turn rough at times from late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. On Wednesday, it may remain rough during the morning before easing later in the day.