Near-freezing temperatures may be hard to imagine in the UAE, but that’s exactly what the country experienced on Thursday morning, with its coldest day of the winter season so far. The temperature in Jebel Jais dropped to 0.2°C, a rare extreme cold in a country more accustomed to warmer climates.
The lowest temperature was recorded at 5:45 am, which confirms the effect of the cold spell of winter that authorities had already warned would be experienced in the UAE in the second half of January. The current weather conditions indicate that this season of chill is now at its height in the country.
The UAE’s highest mountain, also known as Jebel Jais and located in Ras Al Khaimah, is no stranger to winter temperatures, but temperatures slightly above freezing are also common in this area. It wasn’t just this location that experienced the cold, but many mountainous and inland areas also recorded significantly lower temperatures in the morning.
At 5.15 am, Mebreh Mountain registered 3.1°C, and Jabal Al Rahba was closely behind at 3.2°C at 6.45 am. Raknah recorded a temperature of 4°C in the inland regions at 7.15 am, and Hafeet Mountain recorded a temperature of 6.7°C at 5.30 am.
Meteorologists say the sudden drop was caused by cold air passing over the area and clear night skies, which allowed heat to escape quickly, especially in higher elevations. These conditions typically result in a large temperature difference between coastal cities and mountainous areas.
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The government has warned people, especially those traveling early in the morning or those living in the mountains and interior areas, to be cautious about the cold. Drivers traveling to higher altitudes have also been asked to be cautious, as temperatures can sometimes reach near freezing, leading to frost.
Although winters in the UAE are generally mild compared to colder regions around the world, mornings like these can be a reminder of the country’s diverse climate. From desert heat to almost icy mountain air, the country still experiences a wide range of weather patterns; to say the least, even the desert can experience the wrath of winter.