The United Arab Emirates is bidding farewell to autumn and stepping firmly into winter, marked by a significant shift in weather patterns. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has announced that the country is now under the influence of a powerful northerly system, ushering in a spell of cooler and unstable conditions.
A Noticeable Drop in Temperature
The most immediate change for residents will be a distinct chill in the air. The NCM forecasts that temperatures are expected to fall by approximately six degrees Celsius compared to November. This cooling trend aligns with historical patterns for December, which typically sees a drop of three to six degrees in both maximum and minimum readings. The effect will be most pronounced across the UAE's inland regions and mountainous areas.
Mixed Weather: Rain, Clouds, and Fog
The daily forecast points to varied conditions. Skies will range from partly cloudy to cloudy, with low clouds expected to develop over islands and the western region. There is a confirmed chance of light rain overnight and into Friday morning, primarily affecting islands and western coastal areas. Furthermore, passing low-pressure systems from the west may bring increased cloud cover and occasional rain throughout this period.
Winds will remain light to moderate, blowing from the south-east to the north-west at speeds of 10 to 20 km/h, potentially reaching 30 km/h. Sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea are predicted to be slight.
Safety Alert for Motorists
A key public safety concern arises from the interaction of cooler air masses with the warm Gulf waters, leading to a significant rise in humidity. This humidity will peak during the late night and early morning hours, creating a high chance of fog or light fog formation, especially over internal areas. The NCM has issued warnings, stressing that this reduced visibility poses a direct risk to drivers. Motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution on major highways during early mornings and to follow all official safety instructions.
Regional Impact: Saudi Arabia's Weather Advisory
The weather instability extends to the wider region. In Saudi Arabia, the National Centre for Meteorology has issued alerts for nine regions. These include:
- Thunderstorm Risk: Areas like Makkah, Madinah, Ha'il, and Al-Baha may experience light rain accompanied by lightning.
- Severe Fog: The Eastern Region, including Dammam and Khobar, faces dense fog with visibility reduced to just 1-3 kilometers. Jazan region also has warnings for light fog.
This regional shift confirms the broader atmospheric change, bringing cooler, wetter, and potentially hazardous conditions to the Arabian Peninsula as winter sets in.
