DUBAI: As Ramadan approaches, the United Arab Emirates is witnessing a significant change in weather conditions.
The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) has forecasted partly cloudy to cloudy skies today, with light rainfall expected in northern regions.
Temperatures will remain mild, ranging between 22°C and 26°C in internal areas, while coastal regions and islands will experience highs of 16°C to 21°C. Mountainous areas will see temperatures between 16°C and 23°C.
Temperature drops in UAE
The recent weather shift follows a notable drop in temperatures across the country earlier this week. A cold wave on February 25 led to a decline of at least five degrees between Monday and Tuesday.
On Wednesday, some areas recorded lows below 10°C, with Kalbaa in Sharjah reporting the highest temperature of the day at 28.9°C around 2:45PM. The sudden cooling is attributed to a cold airmass moving from the north of the Arabian Gulf, particularly from Saudi Arabia and Iraq, bringing chillier conditions to the UAE.
Winds and humidity
Winds are expected to remain light to moderate, ranging from 10 to 25 km/h, with gusts reaching 35 km/h in some areas. These northwesterly winds may cause occasional blowing dust, reducing visibility at times. Meanwhile, humidity levels will increase during the night, leading to mist formation in certain internal areas by early Friday morning.
Rough sea conditions
Mariners are advised to exercise caution, as sea conditions will remain rough. Wave heights may reach up to three metres in both the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea. Strong winds are expected to persist until Thursday, with a chance of scattered rainfall in parts of the country.
Regional weather trends
Neighbouring Gulf countries are also experiencing a significant temperature drop. Saudi Arabia is currently undergoing a moderate cold wave, with temperatures plunging below freezing in some northern and central regions. Kuwait, meanwhile, has recorded its coldest February in 60 years, with temperatures reaching as low as -1°C in places like Mataraba and Salmi.
Ramadan 2025 in UAE
Weather experts predict that the cooler conditions will continue in the coming days, creating a pleasant start to Ramadan. Residents can expect cool to moderate temperatures, particularly in the early mornings and evenings. Those observing the fast will benefit from comfortable weather, especially in interior and mountainous regions.