Residents heading out early today may have felt an unusual chill, as parts of the UAE experienced some of the coldest temperatures of the season. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) confirmed that the country’s lowest temperature on record today was 0.2 °C, measured at 5:45 a.m. in Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak.
The near-freezing reading highlights the depth of the winter cold spell currently affecting the country. Over recent days, temperatures across several regions have dipped noticeably, particularly during the early morning and late-night hours. Mountainous and inland areas have seen the sharpest drops, while coastal cities have also experienced cooler-than-usual conditions.
Meteorologists had earlier warned that a cold wave would affect the UAE during the second half of January, bringing lower temperatures, brisk winds, and clear skies. The latest readings suggest the forecasted conditions have fully taken hold, with Jebel Jais once again emerging as the coldest spot in the country.
Cold spells of this intensity are uncommon but not unprecedented in the UAE, particularly during the winter months. Higher-altitude locations such as Jebel Jais are especially prone to dramatic temperature drops due to elevation, often recording single-digit or near-zero readings when colder air masses move through the region.
Authorities advise residents, especially those travelling to mountainous or desert areas, to dress warmly and take precautions against the cold. Early-morning commuters, outdoor workers, and campers are being urged to stay informed about weather updates and plan accordingly.
The NCM continues to monitor conditions closely and is expected to issue further updates if temperatures remain low or drop further. While daytime highs are forecast to remain mild, the contrast between warm afternoons and cold nights is likely to persist for the remainder of the cold spell.
For many residents, the chilly start to the day serves as a reminder that winter in the UAE can still bring surprising extremes, especially in elevated regions, even as the country is better known for its heat.
