DUBAI 26 May 2018: It may be gusty and rainy in the UAE as Cyclone Mekunu approaches landfall.
Dubai Municipality Geodetic and Marine Survey Section has advised caution for highways and seafarers to save lives and property, especially in areas close to the Oman border, due to Cyclone Mekunu.
The tropical cyclone over the Arabian Sea that may hit the Oman’s coastline on Thursday is expected to affect only the weather in the UAE with rainy and thundery conditions.
The National Centre of Meteorology, NCM, on Wednesday stated the storm, which is currently in the Arabian Sea, will not reach the UAE.
“The weather change in the UAE is expected to start on Friday, 25th May, with the activity of the southeastern wet wind, which may lead to rainy clouds and mild to moderate rainfall in different areas of Dubai,” said Iman Al Falasi, Head of Geodetic and Marine Survey Section.
“The Mekunu influence may increase on Saturday, 26th May with a chance for more clouds and the possibility for sporadic rainfall. The surface wind speed may be up to 30 km / h in some areas and the full impact of the cyclone will be finished by Sunday, 27th May,” she added.
Salalah Airport to close as cyclone picks up strength
Salalah Airport will be closed to air traffic from Thursday midnight for at least 24 hours as Cyclone Mekunu approaches Oman, according to the Sultanate’s Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA).
In a statement carried by the Oman News Agency, PACA said, “Following up the development of the cyclone, which is centered in the Arabian Sea and approached the coasts of Dhofar as well as the Omani airspace, PACA has decided to close Salalah Airport at 12 a.m. tonight and for 24 hours which could be extended, depending on the development of the weather conditions.”
PACA added that it is coordinating with other international airlines in the Omani air space and is sparing no effort re-open the airport once weather conditions get back towards normal.