UAE weather: temperatures as low as 10°C to last into new year

Cool north-easterly winds to keep conditions pleasant

Cooler conditions will continue into 2021, say UAE forecasters, with some mist expected in the early mornings. Ravindranath K / The National

The final week of the year was off to a cool start in the UAE as winds picked up.

Forecasters said cooler conditions would prevail throughout the week and into the new year because of to some north-easterly gusty winds.

“We can say it feels relatively cold in UAE terms,” said Dr Ahmad Habib, of the National Centre of Meteorology.

“The active winds often make the weather feel cooler than the temperature recorded; even if it is 22°C, with active wind it will feel about four degrees lower.”

He said Sunday’s weather was a good example of how wind at speeds of up to 45kph can keep conditions pleasant.

The fall in temperature began on Saturday night and high winds contributed to a choppier sea on Sunday, with waves reaching as high as 2.5 metres, he said.

Despite Sunday’s weather warnings to beachgoers, the rest of the week would remain calm and cool, Dr Habib said.

“By [Monday] we believe sea activities can resume, and we expect more beachgoers as well.”

This is because the wind direction will change, he said.

“Starting today the wind will be north-easterly. It will feel as cold as it feels now, especially at night.”

Temperatures will range between 20°C to 24°C in coastal areas during the day, and between 12°C to 17°C at night.

“The temperature will be lower at night and early morning in internal areas; we are expecting it to range between 10°C and 14°C,” said Dr Habib.

The lowest temperature recorded on Sunday was 4°C on Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak.

No rain is forecast this week but people planning to go camping at the weekend should pack warm overnight clothes.

Those heading to the seaside can expect sunny skies and pleasant temperatures.

Increased humidity overnight may cause mist to form on Tuesday and Wednesday, so early-morning drivers should take extra care.