Eastern Province has been buffeted by dust storms during the last three days, putting the population health at risk, affecting business, and endangering travelers. The Weather Forecasting Bureau of the Presidency of Meteorology and Environment (PME) in Eastern Province has issued warning to citizens and residents to keep themselves indoors. Motorists and travelers have also been warned. Hospitals and clinics in the region have reported an increase of patients with allergies and breathing problems. “The dust storm will last until the weekend, and by Saturday we will have clear sky,” an official at Weather Forecasting Bureau of the PME said. “Visibility within the city limits is two kilometers, while in open highways it is less than two kilometers,” he cautioned. He said the dust storm is the sign of the beginning of the summer season, which will start June 21. The dust storm was also ushered by less rain in the region, the official said. “The coming of dust storm is a normal phenomenon. It indicates the entry of humidity, expected to come by the end of June or beginning of July, and the expected settling of autumn and winter.” The official said autumn this year is expected to start by Sept. 23 and winter by Dec. 21. __
