Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
The National Centre of Meteorology has published its weather forecast for January 2026, with a prediction that the month will be characterised by a drop in temperatures.
According to its bulletin, conditions are expected to be cool during the daytime, and cold during the night, due to the extension of a high-pressure system ridge. The system, which is building over Siberia, is associated with a cold air mass that is expected to affect the UAE and the Arabian Peninsula in general.
Forecasts for January 2026 indicate average temperatures during the month will be hover around 18 degrees Celsius. Additionally, during the month, the region will be affected by a succession of low-pressure systems that pass from west to east, and the UAE will be affected by the extension of the red sea trough at times. Pressure systems associated by upper air troughs will also lead to cloud development over the country, with a chance of rainfall.
The average rainfall during the month will be around or lower than the general average, with the average rainfall in January recorded at 11.1 mm.
The country will also experience strong northwesterly winds (Shamal) during the month, which will cause blowing sand and dust over inland areas, especially exposed areas. These winds will lead to rough seas with an increase in wave heights.
Relative humidity is expected to increase, especially in the early morning, which will increase chances of fog or mist formation, especially in inland areas.
Climatic statistics
Air temperature
• Mean air temperature ranging between 16.4°C to 20.0 °C
• Mean maximum air temperature ranging between 21.3°C to 25.7°C
• Mean minimum air temperature ranging between 11.6°C to 15.2°C
• Highest maximum temperature reached 36.0°C, over some areas such as Asab 1991, Al Hiyer 1983 and Alfoah in 1983
• Lowest minimum air temperature over Raknah in 2021, which reached to -2°C below zero
Wind
• Mean wind speed of 12 km/h
• Highest wind speed of 99.7 (km/h) recroded at Algheweifat in 2003
Relative Humidity
• Mean relative humidity during January: 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 occasions recorded in January 2021 with a frequency of 19 days of fog and 4 days of mist
Rain
• Highest monthly rainfall recorded was 229.9 mm at Saqar port in 2020
