Winter Cold Tightens Grip on UAE with Sudden 8°C Temperature Drop Forecast

Residents across the UAE are being advised to prepare for a noticeable drop in temperatures as the coldest stretch of winter so far is expected to begin in the second half of January, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM).

Weather experts say temperatures across the country could fall by as much as 7°C to 8°C over a two-day period, making this one of the sharpest cold spells of the season. The change is expected to begin around midweek as colder air moves into the region from the north.

North-westerly winds will bring cooler conditions starting January 15, with temperatures first dropping in the western parts of the UAE before spreading to the rest of the country. Western areas are expected to see an initial decline of around 3°C to 4°C, followed by a further drop across inland and northern regions. By January 16, much of the UAE could experience the full extent of the temperature decrease.

Mountainous areas are expected to feel the cold most intensely, with temperatures likely to fall below 10°C. Early morning readings in higher elevations could dip to between 5°C and 7°C, making it significantly colder than usual for residents and visitors in those regions.

Coastal areas will remain comparatively milder, though still cooler than average for this time of year. Daytime temperatures along the coast are forecast to range between 20°C and 22°C, while inland areas may see slightly warmer daytime highs of around 22°C to 24°C. However, internal desert areas — including parts of Ajman and other inland locations — could see nighttime temperatures fall below 10°C, a drop that is unlikely in coastal zones.

The colder conditions will be accompanied by fresh to strong winds on January 15 and 16, increasing the wind chill factor and making temperatures feel lower than recorded readings.

Meteorologists explain that inland and desert regions cool more rapidly than coastal areas due to differences in heat retention. Seawater absorbs and releases heat slowly, helping regulate temperatures near the coast, while sand and dry land lose heat quickly after sunset, leading to sharper nighttime temperature drops inland.

In addition to colder weather, residents may experience reduced visibility in the early mornings. Fog is expected to form in some internal areas, particularly at dawn, with conditions potentially continuing over several days.

Cloud cover is also forecast to increase, with fair to partly cloudy conditions expected at times. Low clouds may appear over islands and coastal areas, especially during the morning and daytime hours. There is also a chance of light rainfall in parts of the northern and eastern UAE, including Ras Al Khaimah and northern areas of Fujairah.

Authorities advise residents to stay updated with official weather forecasts, take precautions while driving in foggy conditions, and dress appropriately as temperatures drop across the country.