UAE: Will it rain more this winter? What residents can expect after unstable weather
Following the unstable weather that affected parts of the UAE on Friday, the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) said the country is expected to witness further rainfall through the winter season, with the nearest chance of rain forecast for Thursday, 25 December, when light rain is expected in some areas.The winter season astronomically begins on December 22 in the Northern Hemisphere. Climatologically, it is considered the main rainfall season in the UAE. However, meteorologists stress that rain during winter does not fall continuously and is instead linked to passing weather systems.According to the NCM, winter daytime temperatures in the UAE typically range between 24°C and 27°C, while night time temperatures average between 14°C and 16°C. Relative humidity levels usually fall between 55 and 64 per cent, with average wind speeds ranging from 11 to 13 km/h.Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.What does rainfall depend on?Dr Ahmed Habib, climate expert at the NCM, said winter rainfall in the UAE depends on the movement of low pressure systems rather than the season alone.“When surface or upper air low pressure systems are present and are accompanied by sufficient moisture, clouds can develop, intensify and produce rain,” he said.He explained that these systems may originate from different regions, including the Red Sea, the Mediterranean and from the east, causing rainfall intensity and coverage to vary from one event to another.“This is why we do not see continuous rain throughout winter,” Habib said. “Rainfall depends on how these systems move and whether atmospheric conditions are suitable at the time.”Predicting weather, rain in advanceHabib said weather forecasts are most accurate over short periods, typically up to one week, and it is not possible to predict rainfall patterns for the entire winter season in advance.“We assess weather systems on a weekly basis and monitor how they may affect the country,” he said. “However, we cannot determine now how much rain will fall across the whole winter or how many rain events there will be.”Normal winter weather in UAEHabib added that despite the intensity of Friday’s storm in some areas, current weather conditions remain within the normal climatic range for this time of year.“From a climatic perspective, what we are seeing is normal winter weather and not an extreme situation,” Habib said, noting that rainfall amounts can still be significant in isolated locations depending on the strength of each system.Winter weather in the UAE is also marked by regional differences. Inland desert areas tend to experience cooler conditions at night and during early morning hours, while mountainous areas are generally cooler due to higher elevations. Coastal areas usually experience more moderate weather.The NCM noted that winter conditions may occasionally lead to fog formation during calm and humid mornings, reducing visibility in some areas.Will it snow in UAE?Asked about reports of snowfall in parts of Saudi Arabia, Habib said snowfall remains rare in the UAE and requires very specific atmospheric conditions.“Snow can only occur under strict conditions, mainly in high elevation areas and when temperatures in the upper layers of the atmosphere drop significantly,” he said. “In the UAE, this is uncommon, and what we typically see instead is hail.”Residents are advised to follow official weather updates during the winter season, as rainfall intensity and local impacts can vary widely when unstable weather systems affect the country.UAE: Winter season officially begins, with cooler weather ahead, NCM confirmsHow UAE weathered heavy rains with constant public alerts, drainage through the nightLook: UAE residents capture flooded streets beneath sunny, overcast skies after the rains
Following the unstable weather that affected parts of the UAE on Friday, the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) said the country is expected to witness further rainfall through the winter season, with the nearest chance of rain forecast for Thursday, 25 December, when light rain is expected in some areas.
The winter season astronomically begins on December 22 in the Northern Hemisphere. Climatologically, it is considered the main rainfall season in the UAE. However, meteorologists stress that rain during winter does not fall continuously and is instead linked to passing weather systems.
According to the NCM, winter daytime temperatures in the UAE typically range between 24°C and 27°C, while night time temperatures average between 14°C and 16°C. Relative humidity levels usually fall between 55 and 64 per cent, with average wind speeds ranging from 11 to 13 km/h.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
What does rainfall depend on?
Dr Ahmed Habib, climate expert at the NCM, said winter rainfall in the UAE depends on the movement of low pressure systems rather than the season alone.
“When surface or upper air low pressure systems are present and are accompanied by sufficient moisture, clouds can develop, intensify and produce rain,” he said.
He explained that these systems may originate from different regions, including the Red Sea, the Mediterranean and from the east, causing rainfall intensity and coverage to vary from one event to another.
“This is why we do not see continuous rain throughout winter,” Habib said. “Rainfall depends on how these systems move and whether atmospheric conditions are suitable at the time.”
Predicting weather, rain in advance
Habib said weather forecasts are most accurate over short periods, typically up to one week, and it is not possible to predict rainfall patterns for the entire winter season in advance.
“We assess weather systems on a weekly basis and monitor how they may affect the country,” he said. “However, we cannot determine now how much rain will fall across the whole winter or how many rain events there will be.”
Normal winter weather in UAE
Habib added that despite the intensity of Friday’s storm in some areas, current weather conditions remain within the normal climatic range for this time of year.
“From a climatic perspective, what we are seeing is normal winter weather and not an extreme situation,” Habib said, noting that rainfall amounts can still be significant in isolated locations depending on the strength of each system.
Winter weather in the UAE is also marked by regional differences. Inland desert areas tend to experience cooler conditions at night and during early morning hours, while mountainous areas are generally cooler due to higher elevations. Coastal areas usually experience more moderate weather.
The NCM noted that winter conditions may occasionally lead to fog formation during calm and humid mornings, reducing visibility in some areas.
Will it snow in UAE?
Asked about reports of snowfall in parts of Saudi Arabia, Habib said snowfall remains rare in the UAE and requires very specific atmospheric conditions.
“Snow can only occur under strict conditions, mainly in high elevation areas and when temperatures in the upper layers of the atmosphere drop significantly,” he said. “In the UAE, this is uncommon, and what we typically see instead is hail.”
Residents are advised to follow official weather updates during the winter season, as rainfall intensity and local impacts can vary widely when unstable weather systems affect the country.
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