The skyline in Dubai. ARCHIVE

Winter has officially arrived in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, as Saturday (December 21), marks the onset of the cooler season. With 89 days of winter expected, residents across the region can anticipate chillier weather and shorter days, ushered in by the winter solstice at 12:20pm on Saturday. This celestial event, when the sun shines directly over the Tropic of Capricorn, heralds the longest night and shortest day in the Northern Hemisphere, while summer begins in the south. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) reported that Saturday’s temperatures will drop as low as 5°C in mountainous regions, 9°C in internal areas, and between 13°C and 18°C in coastal zones. Maximum daytime temperatures, however, are expected to hover around 27°C, providing a blend of brisk mornings and relatively warm afternoons. For many residents, the arrival of winter is a welcome change after enduring the searing summer months. Families are gearing up for outdoor activities, with parks, beaches, and desert camps set to become the season’s hotspots. With winter lasting until March 20, 2025, the UAE will continue to enjoy its most anticipated season. The Emirates Astronomy Society predicts that the peak of winter will arrive by mid-January, bringing the coldest days of the year. Temperatures are expected to plunge below 5°C in the desert and potentially drop below 0°C in high-altitude areas. Ibrahim Al Jarwan, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Astronomy Society, explained that this period aligns with the Gulf’s traditional Al Drour calendar, which describes mid-January as a time of "severe cold" lasting approximately 10 days. "This is when the Arabian Peninsula experiences its coldest conditions, particularly in desert and mountainous regions," said Al Jarwan. “The temperatures can reach freezing levels in certain areas, especially overnight.” The UAE’s diverse terrain offers unique winter experiences. Mountainous areas such as Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah are expected to attract adventurers and stargazers. Meanwhile, cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer the perfect balance of cool weather for outdoor dining and entertainment. While the UAE embraces the colder months, the region also prepares for the challenges that come with fluctuating weather. The NCM has issued forecasts indicating occasional rainfall and gusty winds over the coming days. Residents are advised to remain cautious, particularly in coastal and Northern areas, where conditions could become rough.

5-day UAE weather forecast

Saturday, December 21, 2024 Fair to partly cloudy and cloudy at times with a probability of light rainfall over the islands and some Northern and Eastern areas by night and Sunday morning. Light to moderate winds, freshening at times, especially over the sea. The sea will be slight to moderate, becoming rough at times by night westward in the Arabian Gulf and slight to moderate in the Oman Sea. Sunday, December 22 Partly cloudy to cloudy and dusty at times, with a probability of rainfall over the islands and some Northern and coastal areas. Light to moderate northwesterly winds, fresh over the sea, with a speed of 10–25 reaching 40 km/hr. The sea will be moderate to rough in the Arabian Gulf and slight to moderate in the Oman Sea. Monday, December 23 Fair to partly cloudy and cloudy at times over some Northern and coastal areas with a probability of light rainfall. Humid by night and Tuesday morning over some internal areas. Light to moderate northwesterly to northeasterly winds, freshening at times, with a speed of 10–25 reaching 35 km/hr. The sea will be moderate to slight in the Arabian Gulf and slight in the Oman Sea.

Tuesday, December 24

Fair to partly cloudy and cloudy at times over the islands and some coastal areas with a probability of rainfall. Humid by night and Wednesday morning over some internal areas. Light to moderate northwesterly to northeasterly winds, freshening at times, with a speed of 10–25 reaching 40 km/hr. The sea will be slight to moderate, possibly becoming rough at times with clouds by Wednesday early morning in the Arabian Gulf and slight in the Oman Sea. Wednesday, December 25 Fair to partly cloudy and cloudy at times over the islands and some coastal, Northern, and Eastern areas with a probability of rainfall. Humid by night and Thursday morning over some internal areas with a probability of mist formation. Light to moderate southwesterly to northwesterly winds, freshening at times, with a speed of 10–25 reaching 35 km/hr. The sea will be slight to moderate in the Arabian Gulf and slight in the Oman Sea. ICA/Expat Media | Source: National Center of Meteorology
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