Parts of UAE to See Heavy Rains as Winter Starts
The eastern and northern regions of the UAE, including Dubai, are expected to see rainfall on Christmas Day, with the weather continuing through the weekend. From Monday to Saturday, a surface low-pressure system will impact the country, bringing cooler temperatures and occasional heavy rains.
Dr. Ahmed Habib, a climate expert at the National Center of Meteorology (NCM), explained to Khaleej Times that this weather shift is caused by an extended low-pressure system moving in from the southeast, originating in the Arabian Sea. The system will bring significant water vapor from the Arabian Sea and Oman Sea towards the UAE. This, combined with a cold air mass at higher altitudes, will lead to the formation of convective clouds, resulting in rain across the UAE.
Rainfall Expected Across Coastal, Northern, and Eastern Regions
The most significant rainfall is expected on Wednesday, December 25, and Thursday, December 26. Areas likely to see rain include Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and parts of northern Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The rain will vary in intensity, with heavier showers likely in the mountainous areas of the north and east. As a result, skies across the UAE will be partly cloudy to cloudy for most of the week.
Temperature Fluctuations Ahead
As the winter season settles in, temperatures across the UAE will begin to fluctuate. Daytime highs will range between 22°C and 27°C, while nighttime temperatures may drop to as low as 6°C in some inland areas. Coastal areas will experience slightly warmer temperatures. On average, minimum temperatures will hover around 12°C during the winter months.
Winter Season Officially Begins
Dr. Habib also noted that winter officially began in the UAE on December 21 and will last until mid-March. February is typically the month with the highest rainfall. During this time, the sea temperature will remain warm, with the Gulf of Oman being slightly warmer than the Persian Gulf.
The coldest weather is expected in January, especially in areas like Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah and Rakhna in Al Ain. These areas are known for experiencing significant temperature drops due to their unique topography and location.
Looking Ahead
As the weather cools down, residents and visitors in the UAE should be prepared for fluctuating temperatures and possible rainfall over the coming week. The arrival of winter marks the start of a season characterized by cooler temperatures and occasional rain, with the most intense cold expected in January.