UAE Gears Up for Cooler, Wetter Winter

More Rain and Cooler Weather Expected in UAE as Winter Approaches

The weather in the United Arab Emirates is undergoing a significant transformation from mid-October, heralding the onset of winter. In recent days, various regions of the country – Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah – have experienced moderate to heavy rainfall, strong wind gusts, and increasingly cooler daytime and nighttime temperatures. According to the National Center of Meteorology (NCM), this change is due to the interaction between a surface low-pressure system and an upper atmospheric trough, causing increased cloud formation and instability.

Challenges of the Transitional Period

The UAE's climate is known for sudden weather changes, particularly during transitional periods between seasons. Characteristics of such periods include convective clouds, changes in wind direction, and sudden coolings. Starting from the week of October 21, meteorological forecasts predict an increase in cloud cover, particularly in the eastern and southern areas of the country, which could bring further precipitation. These clouds develop sporadically but can occasionally cause hail – not uncommon in this period.

Increasing Cloud Cover and Humidity

Behind the changeable weather is a low-pressure system that began a week ago, arriving from the Arabian Sea, and its effects are felt even in the higher atmospheric layers. The interaction between moisture and temperature results in increased humidity and cloud formation, especially during morning hours. According to the NCM, this atmospheric instability could lead to significant rainfall in mountainous and southeastern regions as well.

Regional Differences and Record Temperatures

While temperatures in the flat regions of the country can still reach 39°C (such as in Al Shawamekh, Abu Dhabi), in the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah, temperatures have been recorded around 18°C. This contrast reflects the fickle nature of the transitional period and encourages residents to keep an eye on meteorological reports.

Convective clouds bring not only rain but sometimes hail too. Such clouds have already appeared over Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Dubai, Al Ain, and Abu Dhabi. According to experts, these clouds are expected to form mainly in the eastern and southern parts of the country in the coming days, but scattered showers could occur elsewhere.

Pre-Winter Weather Instability

Although winter officially begins on December 21, weather patterns already show signs of transition. During daytime, clouds increase, while moderate temperatures are experienced at night. The contrast between daytime warming and nighttime cooling further enhances the instability.

The intense rains and windstorms have led many families to adjust the locations and timings of their Diwali celebrations to align with the weather. For instance, around the Dubai Expo area, moderate to heavy rains were recently experienced, affecting outdoor events.

Ongoing Monitoring and Cloud Seeding

The NCM continues to monitor atmospheric events and apply the well-established cloud-seeding technology whenever convective clouds appear. This procedure – where silver iodide is introduced into clouds – allows for increased precipitation, which is particularly important for the country's water management goals.

Tropical Effects and Wind Changes

The current weather instability is further aggravated by the aftermath of tropical storms from the Arabian Sea region. These, along with the combination of northwestern and eastern winds, often bring unexpected changes in wind speed and cloud behavior.

Adapting Residents and Outlook

Residents are becoming more aware and preparing for the rapidly changing weather, especially in regions where rains have become a staple in the autumn season over recent years. Residents of Dubai and Abu Dhabi often modify their outdoor plans or promptly acquire rain protection gear, considering frequent updates to forecasts.

In the coming weeks, daytime temperatures across the UAE will gradually decrease, cloud cover will increase, and more changeable, but generally cooler, wetter weather is expected. This not only offers relief from the long summer heat but also presents an opportunity for nature to rejuvenate and for holidays and community events to take place in a more pleasant weather environment.

As winter approaches, it is clear that the weather in the UAE is increasingly responding to seasonal dynamics. The impacts of climate change are still being studied, but this year's autumn transition is particularly pronounced, highlighting the importance of precise and timely meteorological information.

(Source: National Center of Meteorology (NCM) release.)