Rare Hail and Rain Hit Dubai & Ras Al Khaimah

Unusual Hailstorm and Rain Hit Ras Al Khaimah and Dubai During Cold Winter Season

Residents of the United Arab Emirates awoke to a particularly memorable weather event on Monday morning: hail and rain impacted several areas of the country, including the highlands of Ras Al Khaimah and the city of Dubai. Such weather is rare in the region, especially in coastal and lowland areas, prompting many to grab their cameras to capture the occurrence.

Hailstones in the Desert: The Surprising Sight of Ras Al Khaimah

In the northern parts of Ras Al Khaimah, especially around Al Rams, a dense hailstorm developed in the early hours. According to videos quickly spreading on social media, small yet heavily falling hailstones knocked on car windows, the road surface, and even on pedestrians' coats. The locals visibly welcomed the unusual weather with joy: laughing and playing with the hailstones, which many experienced for the first time in the desert climate.

This phenomenon is not entirely surprising to those familiar with meteorology: Ras Al Khaimah's mountainous terrain often generates convective clouds capable of producing local showers and even hail, especially during the winter months when nighttime temperatures significantly decrease.

Dubai Didn't Stay Dry: Rain, Wind, and Gloomy Skies

While hail was falling in Ras Al Khaimah, Dubai residents faced rain, strong winds, and dense clouds. A video shared by a popular Instagram page showed raindrops hitting a car's windshield intensely, while traffic moved slowly on the wet road. The scene evoked an almost European winter atmosphere, further intensified by the cool wind and foggy morning air.

The UAE's National Meteorology Center (NCM) had previously indicated that precipitation was expected around January 25th in various parts of the country. Monday's events confirmed this forecast, even surpassing expectations with the precipitation arriving in the form of hail.

Temperature Low: Jais Mountain at 4.7°C

The coldest point of the country was also measured in Ras Al Khaimah: on Jais Mountain, temperatures registered at only 4.7°C at half-past six in the morning. This temperature not only surprised those living in mountainous areas but also noticeably lowered the comfort levels across the entire country. Compared to the mild winters typical of the desert climate, this cold is truly unusual, especially given that temperatures didn't significantly rise during the day.

Warnings from Authorities

The meteorological service and traffic authorities urged the public to exercise extreme caution due to the unpredictable weather, particularly while driving. Wet, slippery roads, reduced visibility, and the effects of the cold can pose significant hazards, especially at busy urban intersections.

The advisories suggest checking the condition of tires, the operation of windshield wipers, and heating systems, as the absence or improper functioning of these can cause significant inconvenience under current conditions.

Global Impact: La Niña in the Background

The current cold wave is not unique to the UAE but is part of a broader global weather system. According to meteorologists, the La Niña phenomenon—caused by lower-than-usual ocean water temperatures in the eastern Pacific Ocean—affects weather patterns globally. The cooling effect reaches the Middle East, where it can lead to colder and wetter winters.

This correlation helps explain why such unusual weather conditions can be experienced in places like Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah, where the winter months are typically sunny and only slightly cool.

A Fleeting Joy Making the Winter Memorable

The appearance of hail and rain was not only a meteorological curiosity but also a community experience. People—especially children—delighted in this extraordinary natural phenomenon, which is otherwise rare in the Emirates. Many took photos, recorded videos, and shared the experience, making it widely accessible even in the digital space.

The unexpected weather also serves as a reminder that, no matter how advanced our technology becomes, the power and unpredictability of nature can still surprise and enchant us.

Summary

This winter in the UAE has become not only colder but more exciting than usual. The hail in Ras Al Khaimah and the rain on Dubai's streets were not just rare natural events but also memorable moments for the community. In light of the meteorological background and global climate models, all this fits well into global weather trends, yet for those living and working here, it has become a personal, tangible experience. And perhaps that's what truly makes this winter special.