The United Arab Emirates has kicked off 2025 with unseasonably cold weather, recording the lowest temperature of the season at 3.5°C. This chilly milestone was reached early on January 2, at Jais Mountain, Ras Al Khaimah, at 7:45 AM local time, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) UAE. A notable cold snap is set to continue, affecting several regions.
Residents across the UAE should brace themselves for the continuation of cool and blustery conditions, as the forecast indicates cooler weather, cloud cover, and gusty breezes over the next five days. Low temperatures along coastal areas may plummet to as low as 12°C, providing quite the shock to those expecting the more typical warmth of the region.
This weather anomaly raises questions about how long this refreshing dip will last. The cooling trend is not entirely unexpected, as cooler weather marks the New Year leading many to pack away summer attire for their winter wardrobe. The last time temperatures dipped to such lows, the country faced unique atmospheric conditions, altering the typical climate narrative.
The chilly conditions have been accompanied by some forecasts for light rainfall. Given the average rainfall recorded for December was 11.5 mm, and what January typically holds, residents may also want to prepare for potential downpours, which could mix with the cold to produce quite the weather cocktail.
Further compounding issues from the cold weather is the health impact it brings along. Dermatologists across the UAE have reported a surge of dandruff cases coinciding with the cooler weather. According to reports by Khaleej Times, about 40% of patients citing scalp concerns during winter attributes their dandruff problems to the dry atmosphere, exacerbated by indoor heating and cold outdoor air.
Climatologists note it's important to understand these cooling events. Records show the coldest temperature ever officially recorded within the UAE hit -2°C back in January 2021 at Raknah, Al Ain. This significant drop remains notable, especially since it marked the first known breach of the zero-degree barrier since records began.
Despite the uncommonly low temperatures, other forecasts indicate these extreme conditions might soon stabilize, with predictions showing winds dying down and weather patterns shifting by the weekend. Local meteorological data suggests this cold spell could begin to relent by mid-January, returning temperatures to more moderate levels.
Throughout this unpredictable start to 2025, the UAE's unique climate dynamics are on full display. Residents are advised to adapt accordingly, utilizing this cold weather as the perfect excuse to don their warmest attire. With warnings of continued flu and cold-like symptoms during winter, precautionary measures remain prudent as the cold air sweeps through.
So as the United Arab Emirates bids farewell to the heat and embraces the chilly embrace of winter, this week serves as both reminder and celebration of the region's climatic diversity. The abrupt shifts challenge the perceptions of what winters can mean here, hinting at broader discussions about changing weather patterns and their implications.