Residents of the United Arab Emirates, if you were let down by the balmy winter the nation has been having, fear not – the country recently saw its lowest temperature of the year.
Al Ain's record of 5.3ºC at Raknah on January 10 was broken by a chilly 4.2ºC at Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah at 5 a.m. on Saturday, February 3.
Scattered rain
This week has been wet, with sporadic rains and chilly temperatures reported in six of the seven emirates. Locals have been taking advantage of the country's cold weather by visiting night beaches and winter markets and engaging in outdoor sports.
At 1,934 meters, Jebel Jais is the tallest peak in the United Arab Emirates and a well-liked destination for locals, hikers, and visitors alike.
As one of the nation's most devoted storm chasers, it is the most alluring winter destination in the Emirates thanks to its "white snow-covered mountains."
Will the UAE see snowfall?
With all of this talk of extremely cold temperatures, one must naturally wonder if any snowfall is possible in the desert.
In the United Arab Emirates, it rarely gets cold enough for snow to form—0°C. Snow has fallen in the country twice before, in 2009 at Jebel Jais and in Ras Al Khaimah in spite of its rarity.
As winter hasn't ended yet, there might yet be hope for 2024.
Saudi Arabia is snowing
In the meantime, the surrounding area has also been hit by a cold wave. On Friday, February 2, Saudi Arabia experienced a sharp drop in temperature—below 0ºC—which led to the formation of snow on the peaks in the Tabuk region. View the video by clicking this link:
Today's high at Jebel Shams is predicted to be 3ºC in Oman as well.
UAE weather explained
The National Centre of Meteorology had predicted earlier this week that a surface depression will impact the United Arab Emirates. Rainfall and cloud formation are brought on by this state. The authorities had already predicted that Saturday would see a sharp drop in temperature.
This explains the meteorological events of the past week, when heavy winds carrying sand and dust produced a decrease in horizontal visibility throughout the United Arab Emirates following rainfall.
