The UAE has recently experienced a significant cold wave, bringing temperatures down to below 10°C in certain areas. This drop in temperature, influenced by a cold airmass moving from the north of the Arabian Gulf, has provided residents with cooler-than-usual weather conditions. As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, those fasting can expect moderate to cool temperatures, especially during the early mornings and nights.
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The Cold Front and Its Impact
The recent cold wave, which began on February 25, caused a sharp drop in temperatures across the UAE. According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), the country witnessed a decline of at least five degrees between Monday and Tuesday.
Dr. Ahmed Habib, a meteorologist at the NCM, explained that the airmass originated from Iraq, northern Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, carrying cold north-westerly winds and extending high pressure. As the airmass traveled southward, it modified slightly, leading to higher daytime temperatures but still maintaining cool conditions at night.
Why Are Neighboring Countries Colder?
The UAE’s neighboring countries have also been experiencing extreme cold weather. Northern and central Saudi Arabia saw temperatures drop below freezing, while Kuwait recorded its coldest February in 60 years, with minimum temperatures plunging to -1°C in locations like Mataraba and Salmi.
However, as the cold airmass moved south, it warmed slightly, explaining the difference in temperatures between the UAE and northern parts of the Arabian Gulf. While some regions in Saudi Arabia faced near-freezing temperatures, the UAE maintained lows of 9-10°C at night, with daytime temperatures climbing slightly higher.
Ramadan Weather Outlook
The start of Ramadan will bring pleasant weather conditions, with cooler mornings and evenings. Over the next five days, temperatures are expected to remain stable, with only a slight increase. This will provide a comfortable environment for fasting individuals, particularly in interior and mountainous regions where temperatures are even lower.
Cloud cover is expected to continue in the northern parts of the UAE, with Ras Al Khaimah experiencing light rain on Wednesday evening and Thursday. Abu Dhabi, on the other hand, will mostly see cloudy skies without precipitation.
Wind and Sea Conditions
The north-westerly wind, which contributed to the recent temperature drop, is expected to persist but at a lower intensity. This means that while the airmass remains cold, the decrease in wind speed will make the weather feel slightly warmer.
The Arabian Gulf will continue to see rough seas over the next five days, while the Oman Sea will experience moderate to occasionally rough conditions.
Conclusion
As Ramadan begins, UAE residents can look forward to comfortable weather conditions, making fasting and outdoor activities more manageable. While the recent cold wave has brought a noticeable drop in temperatures, the country is expected to transition into slightly warmer, yet still pleasant, conditions in the coming days. With continued monitoring from the NCM, residents can stay updated on any further changes in the weather pattern.
