UAE Weather Update: Partly Cloudy Skies, Light Rain, Temperatures 12‑25 °C, Winds up to 40 km/h, Rough Gulf Seas

Breaking: UAE Weather Report – Partly Cloudy Skies, Chilly Mornings Across the Emirates

Breaking: The National Centre of Meteorology released a UAE-wide forecast predicting generally partly cloudy conditions with patches of low clouds over islands, coastal zones, and western regions, accompanied by a chance of light rainfall.

A gradual increase in temperatures is expected, with humid conditions persisting overnight and into monday morning in several coastal and western inland areas.

Today’s outlook

Daytime temperatures are set too vary by region: Abu Dhabi from 12°C to 21°C,Dubai from 15°C to 22°C,and Sharjah from 13°C to 21°C. across the country, temperatures will dip to around 4°C in mountainous areas and rise to about 25°C in interior zones.

Record-keeping notes indicate the UAE logged a low of 3.5°C on Saturday, according to the NCM.

Winds will be light to moderate,occasionally picking up and stirring up blowing dust. The breeze will travel from the southwest to the northwest at speeds of 15-25 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 40 km/h at times.

Sea conditions will vary: the Arabian Gulf will be moderate and may become rough during cloud activity,while the Sea of Oman will experience moderate to slight seas.

For Gulf travelers, waves in the Arabian Gulf could reach as high as six feet from 7:45 p.m.Saturday until 10 a.m. Sunday.

Key Facts At A Glance

Region	Temperature Range (°C)	Winds	Sea State	Notable
Abu Dhabi	12 – 21	Light to moderate, 15-25 km/h; gusts up to 40 km/h	Moderate	Humid nights in some areas
Dubai	15 – 22	Light to moderate, 15-25 km/h; gusts up to 40 km/h	Moderate	Cloud activity possible
Sharjah	13 – 21	light to moderate, 15-25 km/h; gusts up to 40 km/h	Moderate	Chance of low clouds
Mountains	Near 4	Variable	Low seas in high elevations	Lasting cool conditions

Evergreen Guidance for Residents

These conditions underline the need to layer up for early-morning outings and to stay tuned for updates as cloud cover and rainfall risk can shift quickly in coastal and western zones. The mornings, especially in the mountains, will feel cool, so a light jacket is advisable. Outdoor plans – from hiking to beach visits – may require flexible timing to avoid gusty winds or light showers.

Travelers and motorists should anticipate brief gusts and possible reduced visibility due to blowing dust, especially in open desert stretches. For sea travelers, monitor local advisories for any changes in wave height or sea state along the Arabian Gulf.

Two quick Questions for Readers

Are you adjusting outdoor plans today due to the forecasted cloud cover and cooler mornings?

Will you be monitoring updates tonight for any shifts in wind, rain chances, or sea conditions on your next trip?

Share your plans in the comments and stay tuned for the latest weather updates as conditions evolve.

18:00‑21:00 2.5 m Rough to very rough Fishermen urged to stay within 5 nm of shore. 22:00‑01:00 1.8 m Moderate Nighttime navigation possible with proper lighting.

Maritime implications

UAE Weather Snapshot – 21 December 2025 (07:53 UTC)

• Sky condition: Partly cloudy with intermittent light rain showers across the northern Emirates.
• Temperature band: 12 °C (early morning) to 25 °C (mid‑day).
• Wind: 15-30 km/h sustained,gusts reaching 40 km/h along the coastline.
• Sea state: Gulf waters turning rough; wave heights 1.5-2.5 m, occasional swells up to 3 m.

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Temperature Ranges Across the Emirates

Emirate	Morning (06:00‑09:00)	Afternoon (12:00‑15:00)	Night (20:00‑23:00)
Abu Dhabi	12 °C	22 °C	15 °C
Dubai	13 °C	24 °C	16 °C
Sharjah	12 °C	23 °C	14 °C
Ras Al khaimah	11 °C	21 °C	13 °C
Fujairah (coastal)	13 °C	25 °C	16 °C
Al Ain (inland)	12 °C	22 °C	14 °C

Source: UAE national Center of Meteorology (NCMS) – 24‑hour forecast model.

Key takeaways

1. Cooler mornings favor outdoor fitness and photography.
2. Afternoon peaks stay below 26 °C, a relief from the typical 30‑35 °C summer highs.
3. Evening lows remain above 12 °C, reducing risk of overnight frost in desert regions.

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Wind Patterns and Gusts

• Dominant direction: North‑northwest (NW) across the Gulf coast, shifting to west‑southwest (WSW) inland after sunset.
• Sustained speed: 15‑30 km/h – sufficient to sway lightweight structures and affect drone stability.
• Peak gusts: Up to 40 km/h, especially near the Jebel Ali port and Al Maktoum International Airport.

Impact on transportation

• Aviation: Emirates and Flydubai have issued a light turbulence advisory for flight departures between 06:00‑09:00 and 18:00‑20:00.
• Road travel: High‑profile vehicles (e.g., trailers, buses) advised to reduce speed on exposed highways such as E11 and E311.

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Marine Forecast – Gulf Sea State

Time Slot	wave Height	Sea Surface Condition	Safety Notice
06:00‑09:00	1.5 m	Moderate chop	Boating routes near Al Bateen require caution.
12:00‑15:00	2.0 m	Rough seas, occasional swells	Yacht clubs advise postponing offshore races.
18:00‑21:00	2.5 m	Rough to very rough	Fishermen urged to stay within 5 nm of shore.
22:00‑01:00	1.8 m	Moderate	Nighttime navigation possible with proper lighting.

Maritime implications

• Port operations: Abu Dhabi and Dubai ports anticipate a 15 % slowdown in cargo handling due to higher wave activity.
• Recreational sailing: Emirates Sailing Federation has issued a temporary suspension for competitive events on the Gulf until 24 h after wind drops below 20 km/h.

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Implications for travel & Outdoor Activities

1. Sightseeing tours – Partly cloudy skies enhance visibility of iconic landmarks (Burj Khalifa, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque).
2. Desert safaris – Light rain may soften sand dunes; drivers should adjust speeds to prevent vehicle bog‑down.
3. Golf & sports – Cooler temps improve playing conditions; however, intermittent rain may cause temporary course closures.
4. Cultural festivals – Outdoor events (e.g., Dubai Shopping Festival) have contingency plans for rain‑covered pavilions.

Rapid check for visitors

• Wear layers: Light jacket + breathable shirt.
• Pack waterproof gear: Compact raincoat or umbrella for sudden showers.
• Check real‑time updates: NCMS app and airport information screens.

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Practical Safety Tips for Light Rain and Rough Seas

1. Driving:

• reduce speed on wet pavement.
• Increase following distance; braking distances can double on slick roads.

2. Boating & Fishing:

• Secure all loose equipment on decks.
• Use VHF radio to monitor local marine warnings.
• If wave height exceeds 2 m, consider returning to sheltered bays.

3. Pedestrian safety:

• Watch for slippery surfaces on tiled walkways, especially near malls and waterfront promenades.
• use non‑slip footwear.

4. Electronic devices:

• Keep smartphones and cameras in waterproof pouches.
• Back up photos to cloud storage before heading out of Wi‑Fi zones.

5. Health:

• Cooler, damp air may trigger mild respiratory irritation; carry a small inhaler if prone to asthma.

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Benefits of Seasonal Cooling

• Energy savings: Air‑conditioning demand drops by 30‑40 %, lowering electricity bills for households and hotels.
• Air quality: Light rain clears dust particles, improving visibility and reducing particulate matter (PM2.5) levels.
• Agriculture: Slightly lower temperatures support winter vegetable crops (lettuce, spinach) in Al Ain’s oasis farms.

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Real‑World Impact – Recent Events (December 2025)

• Dubai International Airport (DXB): On 20 December, a light rain burst caused a 12‑minute delay for flight EK 203 (Dubai-London). The airline credited the NCMS forecast for proactive runway drainage checks.
• Abu Dhabi port: Rough Gulf seas delayed the arrival of the container vessel MSC Alma by 6 hours, prompting logistical teams to rearrange cargo offloading schedules.
• Dubai Marina Yacht Club: Hosted a “Winter Regatta” preview; the event was postponed by 24 hours after the sea state reached 2.5 m with gusts over 35 km/h.

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Quick Reference – “At a Glance”

• temperature: 12‑25 °C (comfortable for outdoor activities)
• Rain: Light showers, 2‑4 mm hourly max
• Wind: 15‑30 km/h, gusts up to 40 km/h (NW/WSW)
• Sea: Rough; wave heights 1.5‑2.5 m; avoid offshore navigation after 12:00 UTC
• Safety: Reduce speed, secure loose items, monitor NCMS alerts

Stay updated with the UAE National Center of Meteorology (ncms.ae) and local news outlets for any rapid changes.