Meteorological authorities in the United Arab Emirates have issued weather advisories indicating significant atmospheric changes across the nation. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) forecasts a substantial temperature decline accompanied by dusty conditions throughout Friday, January 16, 2026.
Weather patterns will feature partly cloudy skies with low cloud formations expected particularly along coastal and northern regions. The most notable development involves a dramatic temperature differential, with readings anticipated to range from a brisk 7°C in interior areas to a moderate 25°C in other parts of the country.
Moderate to fresh northwesterly winds will prevail, occasionally strengthening with speeds reaching 60 km/hr. These conditions will generate blowing dust and sand, significantly reducing horizontal visibility across affected regions. Maritime conditions will be particularly challenging, with very rough seas forecast for the Arabian Gulf and rough conditions in the Oman Sea.
Major urban centers will experience varied temperature ranges: Dubai anticipates highs of 23°C dipping to 20°C, Abu Dhabi expects similar maximum temperatures with a slightly warmer minimum of 23°C, while Sharjah will see peaks of 22°C cooling to 18°C overnight.
The NCM emphasizes that this weather shift marks the beginning of a cooler period as the weekend approaches, advising residents to prepare for changing conditions and reduced visibility, particularly in open and desert areas.