Suddenly Sandy

One look at my blog post's title will make you think of a song or our memories of Hurricane Sandy. No, not even close to those things. I'm talking literally. It is suddenly sandy in our area now.

We came home around 4 p.m. and the weather was still fine. The breeze was blowing not as hot as the previous days and it was sunny and bright.  And just an hour after we got home, my daughter heard the howling of the wind and thought that I was making fun of her. We checked the balcony area and yes, it was the sandstorm. I thought it was too early for Little Sandstorm to make a visit but it did anyway.

It is still blowing sand all over as of this writing and thank goodness I didn't leave any clothes to dry outside today. I guess, the weather will be a bit kind in the coming days. This can only mean one thing - Hello Autumn!

Video of the sandstorm from our balcony...

Gray Over Cast and Weird Weather

I woke up this morning feeling a wee disoriented because normally at this season, it's already sunny around 6 a.m.  The sky was dark gray and there was a slight drizzle. I was hoping it would rain briefly so we could feel the cool breeze once again before it finally bid adieu to welcome summer.

The weather system this year is so unpredictable. Well, it's never predictable really but it is so odd. Spring was short-lived and we are already entering the grueling summer season. It's not fun but we have to brace ourselves because it can get hotter, I pray not but I do hope we can bear the scorching heat once again.

No More Cold Weather

I think the cold season here in the UAE has officially ended yesterday. It was hazy again and the past few days have been story in a sandy way. That can only mean one thing - change of season.

I am preparing myself again for the change of season because it's flu season again. We always have to check on our immune system so we are covered. We already have our fair share of bad health in the past because of seasonal changes and this year we want to be fit.

We have been eating healthy lately and exercise will be in our regular activities soon. Getting fit and healthy is one of the key to avoid any illness this season change. An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.

Driving Safely in Foggy Condition

I am not used to drive in foggy conditions. It is a common occurrence here in the UAE especially when the season is changing. We are used to the weather but navigating through main thoroughfares with other motorists who have no consideration to other human lives is another story.

Fog is a thick cloud bank that lies low in the ground. Visibility can be affected and most and if the fog is very thick, then you can expect a zero visibility. This condition is the scariest for motorists because you don't know if there is a vehicle in front of you and if it is slowing down or not.

Here are tips to drive safely in foggy condition:

• Check weather conditions and be aware so you can prepare in advance.
• Use your fog lights if it is installed in your vehicle. Is you live in a place where foggy condition is common, install fog lights in your vehicle.
• Do not drift in the middle of the line and stay in line as much as possible. Use your right side as a guide.
• If you are driving with someone else, please ask the help of your passenger to watch out for any oncoming traffic.
• Keep a safe distance. One full length of a car is normally the safe distance between 2 vehicles. However, in foggy weather, allow at least 2 full length of car distance.
• Do not speed up. It is difficult to know if the vehicle in front of you is slowing down if the fog is thick.
• Keep your defroster and wiper on if necessary because the moisture in the air can collect on your windshield making driving more difficult.
• Pull over to the side of the road if the visibility is zero. Better yet, let the fog settle and it normally clears mid-morning. If you can afford to skip work for few hours then do so. I would rather be late than sorry.

Autumn is Coming

The hot season will soon come to a halt as we welcome with open arms the coming of autumn. Though, not weather-wise yet.

I am feeling some changes on the weather where it is normally hot becomes a bit breezy. I find that bizarre because late July up to August is the peak of the summer heat here in the UAE. Last week, it was cloudy on some days and you could actually feel the welcoming breeze we all missed. Some plants in the Dubai municipality areas have been replaced with a the kind that thrives on colder season. The dates are well-riped. Humidity is still bad but becoming bearable. And this is my favorite part, the shops or boutiques have already changed their collections from summer to autumn. Most of the summer collection have been put on major sale.

I reckon it won't be long and we will be feeling the nice, cool breeze of fall. My warm clothes are just within reach :)