Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Noticed the chilly breeze and the starry night sky? Winter officially started in the UAE on Monday. The season astronomically began in the Northern Hemisphere in the last third of December, specifically on December 22, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM).
Shifting pressure systems are bringing temperatures down and changing wind patterns, the authority said. The weather is largely influenced by the Siberian high-pressure system, which brings cooler air masses and northwesterly or northeasterly winds, causing a noticeable drop in mercury readings across the country, especially at night and in the early morning hours. In some inland and mountainous areas, readings can occasionally fall below 0°C.
Save the Date for a Lunar Event
Besides the cold, UAE winters usually bring clearer skies and longer nights, making it an ideal season for astronomy. Celestial spectacles are set to dazzle stargazers in the coming months.
One of the most significant astronomy events that UAE residents must watch for is the lunar occultation of Regulus on Sunday, March 29, 2026, from 11:57 pm to 1:10 am, according to the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology (SAASST).
“During this event, the Moon will pass in front of Regulus, the brightest star in the constellation Leo, causing it to briefly disappear from view before reappearing about an hour later,” the SAASST told Aletihad.
“Because Regulus is a first-magnitude star and the UAE lies within the event’s visibility path, the occultation will be clearly observable using the naked eye, binoculars, or small telescopes.”
Lunar phenomena like this one are significant as they help astronomers refine measurements of the Moon’s orbit and position, study the structure of stars like Regulus, and improve the accuracy of celestial mapping, the SAASST said.
“Events like this also provide excellent opportunities to engage the public with astronomy, especially during the UAE’s winter season, when skies are clearer and nights are longer,” it added.
Observatories at the Ready
The UAE’s geographical location makes it an ideal spot for observing many celestial events, the experts said. However, weather conditions could affect visibility, making it difficult to predict the quality of observations in advance.
Nevertheless, local observations can still deliver valuable scientific returns, the SAASST said. When combined with data from other locations, such records contribute to enhanced lunar data and stellar position catalogues, and are “especially useful for detecting grazing occultations, where the star blinks in and out behind lunar mountains.”
UAE observatories and research centres are now getting ready for major astronomical events, putting together campaigns, outreach, and research activities.
“SAASST and its Sharjah Astronomical Observatory are enhancing their observational capabilities and scientific infrastructure while also engaging in data documentation, analysis, and outreach programmes to support both researchers and the public,” the academy said.
These events also play a wider role in education, as “astronomical events such as lunar occultations, eclipses, and planetary transits provide effective opportunities to enhance astronomy education and public engagement,” linking theory with real-time observation and encouraging interest in STEM fields, the academy said.
Rain, Fog, and Camping Weather
Occasional rainfall during winter enhances outdoor conditions, though heavy rain in limited areas can lead to runoff in mountainous valleys. Authorities urge residents to exercise caution and avoid wadis during such conditions.
Winds are usually light to moderate during winter, creating suitable conditions for outdoor activities and camping, with stronger winds limited to a few days.
Relative humidity levels are generally comfortable, although higher humidity combined with calm conditions can lead to fog formation in the early morning hours.
Average maximum temperatures are around 24–27°C, with minimums hovering at 14–16°C, and average wind speeds at 11–13 km/h.
