As the UAE experiences a significant drop in temperatures, the mercury dipped to a chilly 7.1°C in Raknah, Al Ain, at 06:45 AM today, marking the lowest temperature in the country for the day.
The cool winds and the plummeting temperatures signal the onset of winter, with residents across the Emirates bracing for more chilly days ahead.
Raknah, a region located in Al Ain, is known for recording some of the lowest temperatures in the UAE. The area’s unique topography, which includes wadis, sand dunes, and a scattering of trees, plays a significant role in the temperature drops.
According to Dr. Ahmed Habib, a weather expert from the National Center of Meteorology (NCM), Raknah’s distinctive environment contributes to its ability to trap cooler air, causing the temperature to fall more sharply than in surrounding areas.
“In Raknah, the air mass moves from higher to lower elevations, cooling down as it descends, which leads to a drop in temperature,” Dr. Habib explained in an earlier interview with Khaleej Times.
This cooling effect, combined with the region’s unique landscape, makes Raknah an area that often experiences lower temperatures compared to other parts of the country.
The UAE’s weather has been subject to the impact of an extended low-pressure system that has been moving in from the southeast, originating in the Arabian Sea.
This system, which has been predicted to bring rainfall from December 23 until December 28, has caused significant fluctuations in the weather, with cool winds and rainfall adding to the winter chill.
The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) had earlier issued warnings about the possibility of rain during this period, which aligns with the onset of the winter season.
This time of year marks a notable shift in the UAE’s weather patterns, with temperatures dropping in line with the traditional Arabian Gulf calendar. According to the calendar, winter is divided into two primary 40-day periods: “Arba in Al Merei” and “Arba in Al Aqrabi.”
The former period, beginning around December 28, is often characterized by intense cold and rainfall, signaling the deeper onset of winter.
While winter generally brings increased chances of rain, Dr. Habib notes that the actual occurrence of rainfall depends heavily on the specific atmospheric conditions at the time.
He emphasized that while the UAE is likely to see more cold fronts and rain over the next several days, precise weather patterns can vary from year to year.
As temperatures continue to drop and cool winds persist, residents are advised to bundle up and stay prepared for potential rainfall. The cold snap is expected to persist into the coming days, with local forecasts indicating fluctuating temperatures and the possibility of more rain.
For those venturing outdoors, it may be wise to keep an umbrella handy, as the weather conditions continue to evolve. As always, the NCM will monitor the situation closely, providing updates on weather developments in the UAE.