UAE Winter Weather: Cooler Conditions And Diverse Patterns Confirmed By NCM

The National Centre of Meteorology said astronomical winter in the Northern Hemisphere starts on 22nd December, bringing cooler conditions across the UAE. During this period, temperatures drop sharply at night and early morning, while weather patterns shift as different pressure systems affect the Arabian Gulf region.

The UAE’s varied landscape, including the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea and the Empty Quarter desert, produces different winter conditions from one area to another. Coastal zones, mountain regions and inland deserts each experience distinct temperature ranges, wind patterns and humidity levels during the season.

At the surface, the Siberian high-pressure system usually dominates UAE winter weather. This system stretches towards the Arabian Gulf and brings northwesterly winds that can turn active, or northeasterly breezes. These winds push colder air into the country and cause clear falls in temperature, especially overnight.

Several low-pressure systems also influence UAE winter climate, arriving from the Red Sea, the Mediterranean Sea and from the east. These systems increase cloud cover and help trigger rainfall over many parts of the country. Under stable skies, high humidity and gentle winds, they can also support fog formation, mainly in the early morning.

In desert interior areas, winter nights and early mornings are generally cool to cold, while daytime remains mild. Mountain and highland regions are cooler overall, turning cold after sunset because of higher elevation. Jebel Jais, which rises to around 1,800 metres, often records some of the lowest temperatures in the country in winter.

In some inland and mountainous areas, the National Centre of Meteorology said temperatures can fall below 0 degrees Celsius. Such conditions occur mainly overnight under clear skies and calm winds. Cold spells are most noticeable in remote valleys and higher terrain, where the air cools more quickly than along the coast.

Along UAE coastal areas, most winter days are mild, with generally moderate conditions from sea breezes. Wave heights often range between one and two feet, which usually suits marine activities and water sports. Relative humidity levels are mostly comfortable, though mist and fog can appear when moisture levels are higher and winds weaken.

Rainfall during UAE winter is often light to moderate and makes outdoor weather more pleasant. However, stronger showers in limited spots can cause runoff in mountain valleys. Authorities advise the public to be careful near wadis during such rainfall events, as sudden water flows remain possible even if rain falls upstream.

Winds in winter are usually light to moderate, helping create good conditions for camping and other outdoor activities. Periods of stronger winds tend to last only for a few days. The National Centre of Meteorology said this overall winter climate and the range of local conditions support many sports and recreation options across the UAE.

The National Centre of Meteorology also highlighted typical winter averages for the UAE, covering temperatures, humidity and wind speeds. These values give a general guide to conditions, though individual days can be warmer or colder. The figures are based on long-term records collected from observation stations around the country.

During UAE winter, average maximum temperatures range between 24°C and 27°C, while average minimum temperatures fall between 14°C and 16°C. Relative humidity usually lies between 55 and 64 percent. Typical wind speeds are around 11 to 13 km/h, aligning with the generally calm to moderate winter weather described by the National Centre of Meteorology.

With inputs from WAM