Abu Dhabi, Feb 27 (The National) : Rain and thunder are expected today as high winds blow a volatile weather system across the country, forecasters said.

The possible precipitation would follow yesterday’s sandstorm, which reduced visibility in some places to as little as 1km.

The rain could begin as early as noon and continue into the afternoon, according to the duty forecaster at Dubai International Airport.

The source of the bad weather was a “local low-pressure field over Qatar”, he said. It had caused strong southerly winds to lift sand from across the Empty Quarter and bring it into the UAE.

Visibility across the country was low yesterday, with the exception of the northernmost parts.

At noon, the visibility in open desert areas was down to 1km. It was 1.5km in Jebel Ali, 5km at Dubai airport and 3km in Abu Dhabi. Flights were not affected.

“There will be the same situation on Saturday from dawn until noon,” said the forecaster.

“People should pay attention, especially if they are driving on the highway in the morning or if they are in the open desert.”

More thunderstorms were expected early next week, the forecaster said.