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The United Arab Emirates witnessed its coldest conditions of the current winter season during the early hours of Saturday, December 20, when temperatures dropped sharply in one of the country’s mountainous regions. Official data released by the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) confirmed that the lowest temperature recorded anywhere in the UAE reached 3.5°C, highlighting a significant contrast to the nation’s typically warm climate.
Meteorologists reported that this minimum temperature was measured at Jebel Jais, a prominent mountain located in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah and widely recognized as the highest natural peak in the country. The reading was captured at exactly 12am local time, a period when temperatures generally fall to their lowest due to the absence of solar heat and the cooling effect of nighttime atmospheric conditions. This observation has now been classified as the coldest temperature recorded in the UAE so far during the ongoing winter period.
Jebel Jais is known for experiencing much cooler weather compared to coastal cities and desert areas, largely due to its elevation and geographical features. During winter months, temperatures in the mountainous region often decline rapidly after sunset, sometimes reaching single-digit levels. The 3.5°C measurement reflects how winter conditions can be especially pronounced in high-altitude areas, even as other parts of the country continue to enjoy milder temperatures.
The National Centre of Meteorology relies on an extensive network of automated weather stations strategically placed across the UAE to monitor atmospheric conditions. These stations collect continuous data on temperature, humidity, wind speed, and other climate indicators. Information gathered from these systems allows meteorologists to track weather patterns accurately, issue forecasts, and provide timely updates to the public. The reading from Jebel Jais was recorded as part of this routine monitoring process and verified through official meteorological analysis.
Experts explain that several factors likely contributed to the sharp temperature drop. Clear skies, light winds, and dry air create ideal conditions for heat to dissipate quickly from the Earth’s surface during nighttime hours. In mountainous regions such as Jebel Jais, these effects are intensified, leading to colder temperatures than those experienced at lower elevations. Winter weather systems moving across the region also play a role in bringing cooler air masses into the area.
Authorities often advise residents and tourists visiting mountainous regions during winter to take precautions, particularly during late-night and early-morning hours when temperatures are at their lowest. Wearing warm clothing, planning travel carefully, and staying informed through official weather updates are commonly recommended safety measures.
While much of the UAE continues to experience comfortable winter weather during the day, the temperature recorded at Jebel Jais serves as a reminder of the country’s diverse climate and terrain. As winter progresses, meteorologists anticipate that similar cold conditions may continue to occur, especially in elevated and inland areas. The NCM remains vigilant in monitoring weather trends and encourages the public to follow official forecasts to stay prepared for changing conditions across the nation.
Jebel Jais, rising high above the surrounding landscape as the tallest mountain in the United Arab Emirates, has a climate that is noticeably different from much of the rest of the country. Its elevated position plays a major role in shaping local weather patterns, making temperatures on the mountain considerably lower than those felt in nearby coastal cities or desert regions. While much of the UAE is associated with warm weather throughout the year, Jebel Jais stands out as a location where cooler conditions are not only common but expected, particularly during the winter season.
The mountain’s altitude allows it to escape much of the heat that dominates lower-lying areas. As elevation increases, air pressure decreases, causing temperatures to fall. This natural effect means that Jebel Jais often experiences a refreshing chill even when surrounding emirates remain relatively mild. During winter months, this temperature difference becomes more pronounced, especially at night and in the early morning hours, when the absence of sunlight allows the land to cool rapidly.
In contrast, coastal areas across the UAE benefit from the moderating influence of the sea. The surrounding waters help regulate temperatures, preventing extreme drops during the winter and limiting excessive heat in the summer. Desert regions, while cooler at night than during the day, still tend to retain warmth due to their vast open terrain and sandy surfaces. Jebel Jais, however, does not share these characteristics. Its rocky terrain and high elevation contribute to faster heat loss after sunset, leading to colder conditions than those experienced in both coastal and desert environments.
Winter brings especially noticeable changes to the mountain’s climate. As seasonal weather systems move through the region, cooler air masses often settle over higher elevations first. This results in crisp mornings and chilly evenings that are uncommon in other parts of the country. Temperatures can drop to levels that require warm clothing, making Jebel Jais a unique destination for residents and visitors seeking a winter-like experience within the UAE.
The cooler climate of Jebel Jais has also made it a popular spot for tourism during the winter season. Visitors are drawn to the mountain not only for its scenic views and outdoor activities but also for the refreshing weather that contrasts sharply with the warmth of urban centers. Many people travel to the area to enjoy hiking, sightseeing, or simply experiencing the colder temperatures that are rarely found elsewhere in the country.
Meteorologists closely monitor conditions at Jebel Jais due to its tendency to record some of the lowest temperatures nationwide. Weather stations positioned in the area frequently report readings that highlight the impact of elevation on climate. These observations help paint a broader picture of the UAE’s diverse weather patterns and underscore how geography influences temperature variations across the country.
Overall, Jebel Jais serves as a clear example of how elevation and terrain can significantly shape local climate. While coastal cities and desert areas maintain relatively moderate winter temperatures, the UAE’s highest peak consistently experiences cooler conditions. This contrast becomes most evident during the winter months, reinforcing Jebel Jais’s reputation as one of the coldest places in the country and a reminder of the UAE’s varied and dynamic natural environment.
