Mid-January is about to bring a rare winter chill across the UAE
If you think you know UAE weather… Maybe think again. This January, the country is in for one of its chilliest spells in recent memory, with temperatures expected to drop by up to 8°C in just a couple of days.
If you’re used to mild winter days, get ready to dig out scarves, jackets, and maybe even that cosy blanket you’ve been hoarding.
According to Dr Ahmed Habib, a meteorologist at the NCM, the cold will roll in from the northwest, hitting the western regions first before creeping across the rest of the country.
He told Khaleej Times that by 15 and 16 January, inland areas could see thermometers dip below 10°C, and if you’re venturing into the mountains, temperatures might dip to 5°C to 7°C in the early morning.
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However, in coastal areas like Abu Dhabi, temperatures will still feel relatively tame. Daytime highs will hover around 20°C–22°C, but don’t be fooled – a brisk wind could make it feel a whole lot colder. At night, temperatures are set to dip to 8°C to 10°C next week.
Why the difference? The sea acts like a giant heat battery, releasing warmth slowly and keeping coastal spots milder, while desert sands lose their heat almost immediately after sunset, giving inland regions that signature chilly snap.
Clouds will roll in here and there, with a few spots along the northern and eastern parts of the country possibly seeing some light rain.
So, whether you’re sipping hot coffee by the window, braving a mountain hike, or just enjoying a walk along the coast, this mid-January chill is shaping up to be a reminder that winter in the UAE can actually feel like actual winter.
Time to layer up, feel the breeze, and enjoy a rare cool spell under the bright desert sun.
For further information, visit ncm.ae
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