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Wed, Jan 21, 2026 | Shaban 2, 1447 | Fajr 05:45 | DXB 
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UAE: Light frost recorded north of Al Ain City; temperatures drop to near 1°C
Frost was seen forming on surfaces that lose heat quickly, including metal structures and farm coverings
Light frost was recorded early Friday morning in Raknah, north of Al Ain City, after temperatures dropped sharply following a spell of cold winds across parts of the UAE, according to Yousef Al Qasimi, a member of the Emirates Astronomical Society.
Al Qasimi said the frost was expected, as weather indicators had been monitored for nearly a week. After a recent weather system passed through the country, cold winds followed, creating ideal conditions for overnight temperature drops.
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Forecast data showed temperatures dropping below 5°C in western regions such as Liwa and Al Dhafra. Based on field experience, Al Qasimi and his colleagues also anticipated that Raknah would cool faster than the surrounding areas, even if this was not clearly reflected in official forecasts.
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Before sunrise on Friday, Al Qasimi and his colleagues travelled to Raknah to observe conditions on the ground. While official weather stations recorded temperatures around 4°C, field measurements showed readings close to 1 degree above zero. Frost was seen forming on surfaces that lose heat quickly, including metal structures and farm coverings.
“Frost in Al Ain happens almost every year, but its intensity varies,” Al Qasimi said. He recalled that the strongest frost event occurred in 2021, when field measurements in Raknah dropped to minus 7°C, while official stations recorded minus 2°C.
He explained that Raknah’s sandy terrain, located between specific sand dunes, allows the ground to lose heat more quickly than in nearby areas. This makes the area more vulnerable to frost, particularly in the period just before sunrise, which is the coldest part of the day.
Friday frost marks the first recorded this season in Raknah. Al Qasimi noted that it became most visible in the final minutes before sunrise, shortly before temperatures began to rise again.
Looking ahead, Al Qasimi said further frost could occur in parts of Al Ain during the winter, but only when cold waves pass through the region. “This kind of phenomenon usually happens after cold waves,” he explained. “Once the cold wave ends, the chances decrease, but if another arrives, we may see similar conditions again.”
He added that frost is limited to specific winter periods and does not continue throughout the year. He regularly visits areas known for sharp temperature drops to closely monitor conditions.
While snowfall remains extremely rare, Al Qasimi noted that unusual weather events can still occur during strong cold spells, which is why continued observation is important throughout the winter months.
Azza Al Ali
Azza Al Ali is a reporter from Ras Al Khaimah, dedicated to sharing stories that bring the community’s voices to life. She’s passionate about connecting with people and highlighting what truly matters to them.
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