Dense Fog Expected Monday Morning Across UAE: Travel Delays and Speed Limits in Effect
The United Arab Emirates National Centre of Meteorology has issued a weather alert for dense fog expected across multiple coastal and internal zones from Sunday 10:00 PM through Monday 10:00 AM.
What to Expect
• Timing: Horizontal visibility will drop significantly from 10:00 PM Sunday through 10:00 AM Monday, affecting morning commutes and early travel.
• Areas affected: Both coastal corridors and internal highways are impacted, including major routes in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
• Driving conditions: Fog will create hazardous driving conditions across the UAE during these hours.
• General guidance: Motorists are advised to reduce speed and exercise caution on all major roads.
Understanding UAE's Fog Season
February typically falls within the UAE's annual fog season, which runs from mid-December through late March. Fog commonly forms during overnight hours and early mornings when ground-level moisture condenses in cooler air. The phenomenon primarily affects low-lying inland zones and coastal areas, where humidity levels rise significantly during winter months.
Road Safety During Fog
Authorities remind residents that fog requires adjusted driving behavior to prevent accidents:
Key safety measures:
• Use low-beam headlights and fog lights only. High beams reflect off water droplets, reducing visibility further.
• Never use hazard lights while moving. Hazards should only be activated if you are stationary in an emergency.
• Maintain increased following distance, leaving more space between vehicles than in clear weather.
• Avoid sudden lane changes. Use road markings as a guide if visibility is limited.
• If visibility becomes severely limited, pull off the road safely into a petrol station or designated rest area. Do not stop on the hard shoulder of a highway.
Travel Planning Advice
Residents planning to travel Monday morning should allow extra time for their journeys. Flight operations may experience delays during peak fog hours, so air travelers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest flight status updates and consider scheduling travel for midday or afternoon if possible.
The NCM alert covers the fog event through Monday morning. Residents should monitor official NCM updates via their app or website for any changes to the forecast or additional alerts.
NCM issues dense fog alert for UAE Feb 22, 1AM-10AM. Reduced visibility expected across coastal and inland areas. Safety tips for morning commuters.
NCM forecasts humid conditions with probable fog and mist across UAE coastal and internal areas through Wednesday. Motorists advised to exercise caution during early morning hours.
Dense pre-dawn fog in the UAE will cut highway speed limits and trigger flight delays and surge fares. UAE motorists should leave early and confirm flights between 1-10 am.
Dubai International will handle 99.5M flyers by 2026. UAE residents should brace for peak crowds, faster AI security lanes and AED10–20 green surcharges.