Today's Edition
The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) has issued a detailed climate summary for the month of January - over the decades - predicting that this month is characterised by drop in temperatures, where the weather will be cool during the daytime and cold during night in general.
The cool weather will be due to extension of ridge of high pressure system building over Siberia associated with a cold air mass that affects the country and the Arabian Peninsula in general, a statement said.
Additionally, during this month, the region is affected by a succession of low pressure systems that pass from West to East, affecting the UAE by the extension of the red sea trough at times. Sometimes those pressure systems associated by upper air troughs lead to cloud developments over the country in some days of the month associated with rainfall.
The country also experiences strong Northwesterly winds (Shamal) during this month, which cause blowing sand and dust over inland areas especially the exposed areas. These winds lead to rough sea with an increase wave height.
The relative humidity will increase, especially, early morning, enhancing the chance of fog or mist formation. The frequency of fog or mist increases more over inlands as compared to coastal areas.
Climatic statistics
Air temperature:
- The mean air temperature ranges between 16.4°C to 20.0°C.
- Mean maximum air temperature ranges between 21.3°C to 25.7°C.
- Mean minimum air temperature ranges between 11.6 °c to 15.2°C.
The maximum temperature reached 36°C over some areas such as Asab (1991), Al Hiyer (1983) and Alfoah (1983). Meanwhile, the lowest minimum air temperature recorded was over Raknah in 2021, which reached to -2°C below zero.
Wind
Mean wind speeds reach up to 12kmph with the highest wind speed of 99.7kmph recorded at Algheweifat in 2003
Relative humidity
- Mean relative humidity during this month: 63%
- Mean maximum relative humidity ranging between 78% to 91%.
- Mean minimum relative humidity ranging between 31% to 47%.
Fog
Highest frequency of fog/mist was recorded in January 2021 with 19 days of fog and four days of mist.
Rain
The highest monthly rainfall recorded was 229.9mm at Saqar port in 2020.
