The strong winds sweeping through the UAE\'s coastal and western region is expected to weaken this afternoon but the sea will continue to be rough, said the national weather bureau. North-westerly winds of up to 50kmph have been hitting the western region of the country since yesterday. The sea has also been rough with several feet high waves hitting the shore. Fishermen and joyriders have been asked to stay away from the sea as it is not fit for small boats and vessels. Cold winds have also brought a chill to the western region of Abu Dhabi and some other parts of the country. The impact of the strong winds has also been felt deep inside the internal areas where sand and dust blew in the air. The horizontal visibility has been reduced, creating problems for drivers on different highways and roads in the western and internal areas. People on the beaches along the western coastline also experienced high tides and windy conditions. \"We are expecting a change in the wind direction from Thursday [today] afternoon,\" said a forecaster, noting that the rough weather is likely to end gradually tomorrow. The wind direction will change from the current north-westerly to south-easterly, he added. The National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) said weather will be partly cloudy in general today, becoming hazy at times in some areas. The centre said humidity is likely to increase by night and early in the morning. There are also chances of fog and mist in some areas. Drivers have been warned to be careful in areas in the south during the expected fog times. Similar conditions will continue tomorrow. Abdullah\'s initiative Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, has sent a message through twitter to his followers, asking them to keep the desert clean. He said he would like to participate in the desert clean-up campaign. \"How about we all take part in cleaning up the desert? I\'d like to participate if you agree on January 20,\" he tweeted.