Cold snap grips UAE with 3.5°C low in Jebel Jais after heavy rainfall
Ras Al Khaimah records highest rainfall totals
DUBAI – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recorded its lowest temperature of the winter season as cooler weather continues to grip the country following a widespread spell of rain.
According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), temperatures dropped sharply across inland and mountainous areas, marking a clear shift towards winter conditions.
While the main wave of rainfall has passed, the weather outlook remains unsettled through the weekend.
Lowest temperature
The lowest temperature recorded in the UAE on Saturday, December 20, was 3.5°C, the NCM said. The reading was taken at Jebel Jais Mountain in Ras Al Khaimah at 12am local time, making it the coldest temperature registered in the country so far this winter.
As the UAE’s highest peak, Jebel Jais typically experiences significantly cooler conditions than coastal and desert areas, particularly during the winter months.
Rainfall totals
The NCM confirmed on Friday that the main wave of rainfall affecting the UAE has ended. Rain of varying intensity fell across most parts of the country on Thursday night and Friday, with Al Ghazlah in Ras Al Khaimah recording the highest rainfall at 127mm. Other notable totals included Saqr Port station with 123mm, Jabal Al Rahbah with 117.5mm, Jebel Jais with 116.6mm, and Ras Al Khaimah city with 72mm.
Weekend outlook
Cloud cover is gradually decreasing across the emirates, although conditions are expected to remain partly cloudy to cloudy at times. The NCM said there is still a chance of rainfall over limited areas on Saturday and Sunday, linked to convective cloud formation. Temperatures are forecast to stay cool during the daytime and cold at night, particularly over inland and mountainous regions.
Wind and sea
Winds may be active to strong at times, especially near convective clouds, raising dust and sand and reducing horizontal visibility.
Sea conditions are expected to remain rough in both the Arabian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.