The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) confirmed on 22 December that astronomical winter has begun, with a detailed advisory issued on 23 December highlighting colder nights, morning fog and intermittent rain across the emirates.
The Siberian high-pressure system now pushing south will drop overnight temperatures to the low teens in coastal cities and near-freezing on Jebel Jais, while light Red-Sea lows could trigger showers along the Abu Dhabi–Al Ain corridor. Dubai Airports has already alerted airlines to prepare for possible low-visibility operations between 04:00 and 08:00 on 24–26 December, and Etihad has activated its fog-response roster at Zayed International Airport.
![Winter officially begins in UAE; NCM warns of cold nights, fog and patchy rain that could disrupt travel]()
For road travellers, police in all seven emirates will enforce reduced speed limits on motorways when visibility falls below 100 metres; SMS and smart-sign alerts will advise of speed-cap changes in real time. Logistics firms moving temperature-sensitive goods are reminded that refrigerated-truck fuel additives may gel below 12 °C.
Event organisers planning outdoor gatherings—particularly desert safaris and year-end concerts—should budget for heating equipment and monitor NCM’s five-day forecast. International visitors unfamiliar with UAE winters should pack layers; hypothermia cases on Jebel Jais hiking trails rise each December.
Although winter brings comfortable daytime highs, mobility planners must factor in fog-related flight diversions and extra ground-transport time when building itineraries over the next six weeks.
The Siberian high-pressure system now pushing south will drop overnight temperatures to the low teens in coastal cities and near-freezing on Jebel Jais, while light Red-Sea lows could trigger showers along the Abu Dhabi–Al Ain corridor. Dubai Airports has already alerted airlines to prepare for possible low-visibility operations between 04:00 and 08:00 on 24–26 December, and Etihad has activated its fog-response roster at Zayed International Airport.
For road travellers, police in all seven emirates will enforce reduced speed limits on motorways when visibility falls below 100 metres; SMS and smart-sign alerts will advise of speed-cap changes in real time. Logistics firms moving temperature-sensitive goods are reminded that refrigerated-truck fuel additives may gel below 12 °C.
Event organisers planning outdoor gatherings—particularly desert safaris and year-end concerts—should budget for heating equipment and monitor NCM’s five-day forecast. International visitors unfamiliar with UAE winters should pack layers; hypothermia cases on Jebel Jais hiking trails rise each December.
Although winter brings comfortable daytime highs, mobility planners must factor in fog-related flight diversions and extra ground-transport time when building itineraries over the next six weeks.
Source: The Times of India
