Residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) who were hoping for a cooler winter season can now breathe a sigh of relief, as the country has experienced its lowest temperature yet this year. At 5 AM on February 3, the icy temperature of 4.2°C was recorded at Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah, which broke Al Ain’s previous record of 5.3ºC in Raknah on January 10.
This week has witnessed scattered showers and cooler temperatures in six out of seven Emirates, providing the perfect opportunity for residents to indulge in outdoor activities, visit winter markets, and head to night beaches. Jebel Jais, the highest peak in the UAE standing at 1,934 metres, has become a popular spot for hikers, tourists, and residents.
Its snow-covered mountains make it one of the most attractive winter destinations in the Emirates. Although snow requires a temperature of 0°C to form, which is rare in the UAE, the country has experienced snow in the past, including in Ras Al Khaimah in 2017 and at Jebel Jais in 2009. A cold wave has also affected the wider region, causing a significant dip in temperatures in Saudi Arabia, where the mercury fell below 0ºC, leading to the formation of snow on the mountaintops in the Tabuk region.
In Oman, temperatures are expected to dip to 3ºC at Jebel Shams today. Earlier this week, the National Centre of Meteorology had announced that the UAE would be affected by a surface depression, which causes the formation of clouds and rainfall. The weather authority had already predicted that a significant drop in temperatures was expected on Saturday. This week’s rainfall across the UAE has also caused a drop in horizontal visibility due to strong winds blowing dust and sand. While winter is not yet over, UAE residents can enjoy the cooler temperatures and take advantage of the many outdoor activities and attractions that the region has to offer.
