The United Arab Emirates experienced its coldest temperature of the winter season early Saturday, with the mercury dropping to 3.5°C (38.3°F) at Jebel Jais Mountain in Ras Al Khaimah. According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), this record low was recorded precisely at midnight local time on December 20, 2025.
Jebel Jais, standing as the UAE’s highest peak, consistently maintains cooler temperatures compared to the nation’s coastal and desert regions, particularly during winter months. This meteorological phenomenon occurs due to its elevated altitude, which creates distinctly different climate conditions from the urban heat typically associated with Emirates cities.
The recent temperature drop follows a period of unstable weather patterns across the country, including rainfall that resulted in localized flooding and waterlogged roads in several areas. These conditions have presented transportation challenges and highlighted the region’s vulnerability to weather extremes.
As winter firmly establishes itself across the UAE, meteorologists note that inland and mountainous regions continue to experience significantly cooler conditions, especially during early morning hours. The temperature variation between coastal cities and elevated terrain becomes particularly pronounced during this season, with differences often exceeding 10-15 degrees Celsius.
The NCM continues to monitor weather patterns closely, providing updates to residents and authorities. While daytime conditions remain generally pleasant across most of the country, the substantial nighttime and early morning temperature drops in elevated areas serve as a reminder of the UAE’s diverse climatic geography beyond its famous desert landscapes.