UAE weather: Clouds and rain expected across coastal areas today
Mid-January cold stretch approaching soon
DUBAI – The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has forecast partly cloudy to cloudy skies across the UAE today, with a chance of rainfall over coastal, northern, and eastern areas.
Residents should stay alert as scattered showers may affect parts of the country throughout the day.
Humidity is expected to rise tonight and into Thursday morning in some inland locations, with the possibility of mist or light fog forming, which could reduce visibility in certain areas. Winds will remain light to moderate, occasionally becoming active, blowing from the northwest to northeast at speeds of 10 to 25 km/h, reaching up to 35 km/h at times.
Coastal rain
Sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf are expected to be slight to moderate, with high tides at 15:25 and 05:25, and low tides at 09:18 and 22:18. In the Sea of Oman, seas will remain slight, with high tides at 12:06 and 01:03, and low tides at 18:23 and 07:26. Authorities have urged fishermen and coastal residents to exercise caution in areas experiencing stronger winds.
Rainfall, though scattered, may lead to temporarily wet roads along northern and eastern highways, while temperatures in major cities will remain mild during the day. Desert areas inland are likely to experience cooler nights following rain showers.
Winds and visibility
Light to moderate winds will become gusty at times, particularly along the northern and coastal zones. With mist and light fog possible in some inland regions, drivers should exercise caution during early morning hours, as visibility may be reduced along key roads.
Mid-January cold stretch
Looking ahead, meteorologists predict the coldest winter period will occur from January 10 to 22. Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society, explained that this phase, traditionally known in Gulf folklore as “Der Al Sittin,” marks the lowest temperatures of the season. Early mornings in desert areas could see temperatures drop below 5°C, while daytime conditions across the Emirates will remain cool.
This cold stretch coincides with the evening culmination of the Thuraya (Pleiades) constellation and follows the first full moon of 2026, the so-called “Wolf Moon,” which appeared unusually large due to its perigee. January rainfall in the UAE typically ranges between 12 to 18 millimetres, with an average of six to eight rainy days.
Al Jarwan cautioned that long-term weather forecasts remain uncertain, noting that reliable predictions are generally accurate only up to five days in advance. Small changes in atmospheric conditions can lead to significant differences in outcomes, a phenomenon often referred to as the butterfly effect.
Authorities and residents are advised to monitor daily updates from NCM to prepare for today’s showers and the upcoming cold spell.