UAE weather: Humid mornings, fog chances and light rain this week as winter officially begins
Jebel Jais shut temporarily after heavy rain impact
DUBAI – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to experience generally humid conditions this week, with chances of mist or fog during early mornings and a probability of light rain on select days, according to the National Centre of Meteorology.
The forecast covers the period from Tuesday, December 23, through Saturday, December 27, as winter officially settles across the country. Residents are being advised to stay alert during morning hours, particularly in internal and western regions, where visibility may be reduced.
The weather outlook follows a period of unstable conditions that swept across the Emirates last week, bringing strong winds, heavy rainfall and isolated flooding in several areas. While conditions are expected to be calmer overall, meteorologists say fluctuating humidity, cloud cover and occasional fresh winds will continue to shape daily weather patterns across the UAE.
UAE weather this week
The National Centre of Meteorology said Tuesday and Wednesday will begin with humid mornings, increasing the likelihood of mist or fog formation over some internal areas. These conditions are expected to ease as the day progresses, with weather turning fair to partly cloudy across most parts of the country. Low clouds may develop over islands and western coastal regions during daylight hours.
Winds during this period are forecast to be light to moderate, freshening at times, with speeds reaching up to 35km/h. Sea conditions will remain slight to moderate in the Arabian Gulf, while the Oman Sea is expected to stay slight, supporting relatively stable maritime activity during the first half of the week.
On Thursday, humidity is again expected to dominate morning conditions, with fog or mist possible over internal regions. As the day unfolds, the weather will be fair to partly cloudy, with cloud cover at times over islands, coastal areas and northern parts of the country. The NCM has indicated a probability of light rain, particularly in areas where cloud development becomes more pronounced.
Northwesterly winds may strengthen intermittently on Thursday, reaching speeds of up to 40km/h. Sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf are forecast to be slight to moderate, becoming rough at times, while the Oman Sea will remain slight. Authorities have advised marine users to remain cautious during periods of increased wind activity.
Friday is expected to follow a similar pattern, with humid morning conditions and a chance of fog or mist across internal regions. Weather during the day will be fair to partly cloudy, with clouds appearing intermittently over islands and northern and eastern areas. Light rain remains a possibility, according to forecasters.
Winds on Friday will be light to moderate, freshening occasionally and reaching speeds of up to 35km/h. Sea conditions will continue to be slight to moderate in the Arabian Gulf and slight in the Oman Sea, maintaining relatively steady maritime conditions across both bodies of water.
Saturday’s forecast points to continued humidity during the morning hours, along with a chance of fog or mist over some internal areas. Conditions will remain fair to partly cloudy through the day, becoming cloudy at night over islands and western sea areas. Winds are expected to be lighter overall, reaching speeds of up to 30km/h, while sea conditions will remain slight to moderate in the Arabian Gulf and slight in the Oman Sea.
As weather conditions continue to stabilise across much of the country, authorities have confirmed the temporary closure of Jebel Jais following heavy rainfall earlier this month. Operations were suspended after adverse weather affected the mountain area between December 17 and 19, prompting safety assessments and essential maintenance work.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, officials said recent rainfall led to standing water across parts of the mountain, making targeted maintenance necessary to ensure safety standards are met. Temporary road closures have been implemented to support inspection and repair works, with specialist teams currently assessing conditions across the site.
All activities at Jebel Jais will remain closed until further notice. This includes popular attractions such as the Jais Flight Zipline, 1484 by Puro, Red Rock BBQ, Via Ferrata routes, Bear Grylls Explorers Camp and yoga sessions at Jais Viewing Deck Park.
Authorities have advised visitors not to camp in wadis during this period of unsettled weather, warning that standing water could result in shifting rocks and slippery paths. While hiking and climbing areas have not been formally closed, officials said conditions are being assessed and visitors should exercise caution and avoid affected routes. Reopening will take place in phases, with each area evaluated individually before operations resume, and updates will be shared through official Jebel Jais channels.
Winter officially begins
Winter officially began in the UAE on Monday, according to the National Centre of Meteorology, though residents experienced a noticeable shift in conditions earlier this month. Strong winds swept across the country on December 18 and 19, followed by torrential rain in several areas. Some regions reported flooding, while hail was recorded in isolated locations.
In Dubai and nearby areas, residents adjusted work and commuting routines as authorities responded to the rapidly changing conditions. Dubai Police handled more than 39,000 calls during the period of unstable weather, while government agencies coordinated efforts to maintain public safety and ensure continuity of essential services.
UAE authorities also issued alerts urging the public to remain vigilant as heavy rain and thunderstorms affected northern regions before moving towards other Emirates. Emergency SMS messages were sent to residents and tourists, advising precautionary measures and highlighting potential risks linked to weather conditions.
Seasonal outlook
The recent weather system also delivered the lowest temperature recorded in the UAE so far this season. According to the NCM, the mercury dropped to 3.5°C at Jebel Jais at midnight on December 20, marking the coldest reading of the winter to date.
Winter climate averages in the UAE typically see maximum temperatures ranging between 24°C and 27°C, while minimum temperatures average between 14°C and 16°C. Relative humidity during winter months usually falls between 55 and 64 per cent, with average wind speeds of around 11 to 13km/h.
During winter, the UAE is influenced by weather systems moving in from the Red Sea and the Mediterranean, and occasionally from the east. These systems bring increased cloud cover and rainfall compared to other seasons. Foggy mornings are also common when humidity levels are high and winds remain light.
Due to the country’s varied landscape, winter weather conditions can differ significantly between regions. Desert areas tend to be cool at night and mild during the day, while mountainous regions such as Jebel Jais experience consistently colder temperatures. Coastal cities typically enjoy comfortable daytime conditions and calmer seas, making them suitable for outdoor and water-based activities when weather permits.
Occasional rainfall contributes to more pleasant outdoor conditions, though authorities continue to advise caution during periods of heavier rain, particularly in valleys and wadis where runoff can occur. In general, winter brings lighter winds, manageable humidity levels and early morning fog, shaping daily routines across the Emirates as the season progresses.