The UAE temperature drop is deepening this week, with forecasters warning of colder nights ahead before conditions gradually improve. Sub-zero temperatures are expected at the summit of Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak, particularly during the early morning hours.
According to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society and a member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences, the current cold spell is the result of a powerful weather system affecting the region.
UAE temperature drop linked to cold northerly winds
The ongoing UAE temperature drop is being driven by Riyah Al Na‘ash, a cold northerly to north-easterly wind system that originates from deep within the Asian plateau. These winds transport extremely cold air masses southward, directly impacting the Arabian Peninsula.
Named after the constellation Banat Na‘ash, these winds are traditionally associated with sharp winter chills and are known for causing sudden drops in temperature across the UAE, particularly in elevated areas.
UAE temperature drop keeps daytime readings unusually low
Despite clear skies, the UAE temperature drop has kept daytime temperatures suppressed. In most cities, thermometers struggled to rise above 20°C, while mountainous regions at elevations of around 1,200 metres remained below 10°C.
At Jebel Jais, which rises approximately 1,900 metres above sea level, temperatures stayed under 5°C for much of the day, highlighting the intensity of the cold air mass moving across the country.
UAE temperature drop worsened by strong winds and wind chill
While official temperature readings paint one picture, the UAE temperature drop has felt far colder due to strong winds. Meteorologists refer to this effect as the wind chill index, which measures how wind accelerates heat loss from the human body.
With wind speeds reaching 24 km/h and air temperatures hovering close to freezing, conditions felt significantly colder—equivalent to 5 to 6 degrees below zero in exposed areas, even if surfaces did not technically freeze.
UAE temperature drop peaks during Al Shabt period
Experts note that the coldest weather of the year in the UAE typically occurs during Al Shabt, a seasonal period spanning January 15 to February 10. Historical climate data shows that the most intense cold is usually recorded between January 12 and January 24.
This timeframe aligns with the current weather pattern affecting the region, making the latest UAE temperature drop consistent with seasonal expectations.
Sub-zero readings recorded at Jebel Jais
Data from the National Center of Meteorology’s Jebel Jais weather station revealed that temperatures dropped to 0.2°C at 5:45am, accompanied by 100% humidity and winds of 24 km/h. The station is located at 1,480 metres, meaning temperatures near the summit were likely below zero.
High humidity during early morning hours increased the likelihood of frost formation, especially in shaded and exposed areas.
When will the UAE temperature drop ease?
According to Al Jarwan, the current cold wave is expected to begin easing after tomorrow, with temperatures slowly returning to seasonal averages across the UAE. However, residents in mountainous and inland areas are advised to remain cautious during early morning hours.
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