The United Arab Emirates experienced its coldest morning of the season on Friday, with temperatures plummeting to a reported low of 2°C on Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah. This significant UAE cold weather event follows a powerful weather system that brought rainfall and cooled temperatures across the country. Residents are advised to prepare for continued cool conditions throughout the weekend and into the beginning of next week.
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) confirmed the low temperature recorded during the early hours of the morning. The drop in temperature is a typical, though more pronounced, shift as the UAE transitions into its winter season, characterized by cooler temperatures and increased humidity. The recent rainfall contributed to the rapid temperature decrease, making it one of the coldest starts to a day in recent years.
Cool Air to Persist: UAE Cold Weather Weekend Forecast
According to the NCM, the main rainfall event has passed, but the associated cool air mass will remain dominant throughout the weekend. This means daytime temperatures will be noticeably cooler than usual for this time of year, while nighttime temperatures will fall significantly, particularly in inland areas and the mountains. These conditions are expected to be ideal for various winter activities.
The shifting weather pattern is attributed to a convergence of air masses from different regions. The NCM indicates that a high-pressure system over the Arabian Peninsula is drawing in cooler air from northern regions. Simultaneously, residual moisture from the recent rainfall contributes to heightened humidity in coastal areas.
Daytime temperatures are forecast to range between 20°C and 23°C along the coast and islands, decreasing to between 12°C and 16°C overnight. Inland areas will experience highs of 23°C to 25°C during the day and lows of 11°C to 15°C at night. Mountainous regions will be the coolest, with daytime temperatures of 15°C to 18°C and nighttime temperatures potentially reaching as low as 8°C to 12°C.
This winter season is shaping up to be distinctively cool, according to preliminary climate reports. Experts suggest this could be due to broader atmospheric oscillations affecting the region, but more data is needed to confirm long-term trends. The drop in temperature also comes as concerns over climate change and increasingly erratic weather patterns grow globally.
Weekend Activity Recommendations
The cooler weather presents opportunities for residents and tourists to enjoy a range of outdoor activities. Mountain drives and early-morning hikes are particularly appealing, as are cozy desert stays around campfires. Beachgoers can still enjoy the coastline but should anticipate needing a light jacket after sunset.
However, caution is advised due to potentially rough sea conditions. The NCM warns that winds will be north-westerly to south-westerly, becoming fresh at times, and may stir up dust in open areas. Marine activities should be planned with meticulous attention to safety advisories.
Looking Ahead: Early Week Outlook and Potential Fog
The NCM forecasts a gradual easing of the cold weather as the weekend progresses. Sunday and Monday are expected to bring fairer skies and a slight increase in daytime temperatures. Nevertheless, nights will remain cool, and the possibility of mist or fog forming in western and coastal areas is present.
Motorists are advised to exercise extra caution on Monday morning due to the potential for reduced visibility caused by mist or fog. The NCM recommends maintaining a safe following distance and using appropriate headlights. This weather in UAE can change rapidly, so continual monitoring is important.
Specifically, Monday is predicted to have overnight humidity and light to moderate winds (10-35 km/h). Seas will remain moderately rough in the Arabian Gulf. Tuesday’s forecast includes partly cloudy conditions with a continued chance of morning mist in western inland areas and calmer sea conditions. Wednesday will likely follow a similar pattern of partly cloudy skies and light to moderate winds, although the Gulf may experience renewed roughness.
As the week unfolds, monitoring the NCM’s updates will be crucial for anticipating any further shifts in the UAE climate. The long-term path of the cooling trend remains uncertain, dependent on the evolution of regional atmospheric systems; however, current models suggest a stabilization of cooler temperatures for at least the next week.
