UAE weather update: Fair to partly cloudy skies as overnight humidity increases

Dubai: The UAE is set for a week of continued warm temperatures and rising overnight humidity, with forecasters indicating a slight chance of light rainfall over western and coastal areas by the end of the week.

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) on Tuesday reported conditions are expected to remain fair to partly cloudy across the Emirates, with a noticeable temperature range between 18°C and 31°C in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

For today, Tuesday, Dubai is forecast to reach a maximum of 31°C with a low of 18°C, while the capital, Abu Dhabi, will see a high of 30°C and a low of 18°C. The lowest temperature recorded across the country this morning was 8.9°C in Raknah (Al Ain) at 7am. Winds across the country are expected to be light to moderate, generally southeasterly to north-easterly, with speeds of 10-20 km/h, occasionally reaching 30 km/h in some areas. Humidity is currently higher in the capital, registering at 90 per cent in Abu Dhabi compared to 70 per cent in Dubai.

Moving into Wednesday, skies will be partly cloudy, with cloud cover increasing across western districts as the day progresses. The overnight period will see humidity rise again, increasing the potential for mist or light fog to form by early Thursday morning. Winds will shift to light to moderate north-easterlies, picking up speed over exposed areas.

The NCM's outlook for Thursday suggests partly cloudy to cloudy conditions, elevating the chance of light, patchy rain over western and coastal areas should the cloud layer thicken. The recurrence of overnight humidity means inland and coastal regions may again experience early morning fog or light fog. Winds will remain light to moderate, oscillating between south-easterly and north-easterly.

By Friday, the forecast returns to fair to partly cloudy skies, with low clouds possibly appearing over the islands and some parts of the western region during the morning. Temperatures are expected to edge up slightly, and the cycle of rising overnight humidity will continue. Throughout the week, sea conditions in both the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea are expected to remain slight, according to the NCM.

Winter season officially begins in UAE

The UAE has officially transitioned into its winter season. The shift began with the predawn appearance of a key celestial marker over the weekend, Emirati astronomer Ibrahim Al Jarwan confirmed.

Mr. Al Jarwan stated that the rising of Ikleel Al Aqrab—a bright trio of stars in the constellation Scorpius—from the eastern horizon early on Sunday, 7 December, officially marks the beginning of the Murbaaniya.

The Murbaaniya is the first phase of winter in the traditional Anwa’ and Tawali‘ calendar. This winter period is scheduled to run until 7 March, concluding with the rising of the star Saad Al Su’oud.