UAE winter: Temperatures to dip below 12°C in coming weeks; rainy weekend ahead

Times to bring the woollies out as temperatures in the UAE are expected to drop to as low as 12°C in the coming weeks as the country shifts to cooler winter weather. Keeping an umbrella might also come in handy as this change will bring some rainfall and windy conditions, according to an expert from the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM).

Speaking to Khaleej Times on Thursday, a climate expert, Dr Ahmed Habib, said, “Starting from December 16, the region will experience north-westerly winds accompanied by cooler air masses, leading to a gradual temperature decrease. Temperatures across the UAE are expected to drop by 5-7°C, beginning in the western areas and gradually extending to the rest of the country.

Recommended For You

Indonesia investigates student in school mosque blast; motive remains unknown

Will NYC mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani who lives in 1BHK move to ancient mansion?

Iraqi forces, displaced people vote early ahead of election

Dubai emerges as global magnet for millionaires amid tax reforms in Europe

Alcaraz off to winning start at ATP Finals with win over De Minaur

 

“Gradually, the UAE will see the maximum temperature hovering around 25-26°C, and the minimum temperature will be as low as 12°C."

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.

This week, the country experienced rainfall in certain eastern and northern regions, prompting the authorities to issue red and yellow alerts due to the potential for fog formation, which could significantly reduce horizontal visibility.

Rainy weekend ahead

Meanwhile, the weekend is likely to witness more rainfall. The days will be partly cloudy to cloudy at intervals, with a chance of rainfall in eastern areas like Al Ain, and northern regions like Ras Al Khaimah.

Light to moderate winds are expected, occasionally strengthening and causing blowing dust during the day.

“It's expected to be a rainy weekend, from Friday through Sunday. While Dubai itself has a low chance of rainfall, the islands and over the sea, there is a significant likelihood of rainfall, along with areas like Ras Al Khaimah, the northern part of Umm Al Quwain, and possibly the eastern region, where light to moderate rain is anticipated. The sea will be rough, associated with strong north-westerly winds,” added Habib.

When does winter begin?

Winter officially begins in the UAE on December 22. Over the past 30 years, the country's coldest period has been three days, from January 16 to 18.

According to the traditional Arabian Gulf calendar, the winter season is divided into two main periods: “Arba in Al Merei” and “Arba in Al Aqrabi,” each lasting 40 days. “Arba in Al Merei” starts around December 28, marked by intense cold and rainfall.

“The winter season in the UAE begins on December 22, and temperatures will gradually decrease throughout December and January. However, this can vary depending on the atmospheric conditions, such as the direction and nature of the incoming air mass. Cold air masses, particularly at night, will affect the interior regions of the country.”

The veteran weatherman mentioned that approximately two to three years ago, the center experienced dry winters similar to the 2023-24 season, particularly in 2001. He explained that rainfall during that time was minimal, with rain occurring infrequently.

“Rainfall during this period (current year) is influenced by several factors. While the winter season generally brings a higher chance of rain, the actual occurrence depends on the specific atmospheric conditions at the time,” added Habib.

ALSO READ:

• Dubai

Nandini Sircar

nandini@khaleejtimes.com

Nandini Sircar has a penchant for education, space, and women's narratives. She views the world through a prism of learning: whether it's the earthly pursuit of wisdom or the unearthly mysteries of space. In her written universe, women and children take centre stage.