Icy 2.4ºC Chill UAE: Lowest Temperature Recorded This Winter

PC1NFK A hiker at the edge of a cliff enjoying the beautiful view in Jebel Jais mountain in Ras Al Khaimah.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is renowned for its scorching desert climate, but this winter, residents experienced a rare and unexpected cold snap. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) issued a warning of unstable weather conditions, and the country recorded its lowest temperature of the season at a chilling 2.4ºC.

The UAE is known for its extreme temperatures,

With summer highs often exceeding 40ºC. However, the winter months typically bring milder weather, making this recent cold spell particularly noteworthy. The NCM attributed the drop in temperature to a cold air mass moving across the region, resulting in a significant drop in temperatures across the country.

The lowest temperature of 2.4ºC was recorded in the mountainous region of Jebel Jais, located in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. This area is known for its cooler climate due to its elevation, but temperatures rarely dip below freezing. The sudden drop in temperature caught many residents off guard, leading to an increase in demand for winter clothing and heating appliances.

The cold snap also had implications for agriculture, with farmers taking precautions to protect their crops from frost damage. The UAE has been investing in agricultural innovation to reduce its reliance on food imports, and extreme weather events like this highlight the importance of climate-resilient farming practices.

While the cold snap was a rare occurrence, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather patterns. The UAE has been taking steps to mitigate the impact of climate change, including investing in renewable energy and implementing measures to reduce carbon emissions.

As the country continues to experience extreme weather events, it is essential for residents and policymakers alike to remain vigilant and adapt to changing climate conditions. The recent cold snap may have been a temporary phenomenon, but it underscores the need for continued efforts to address climate change and build resilience in the face of unpredictable weather patterns.