The first rain in 2023: drizzle in parts of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah, with a minimum temperature of 6.4°C

According to today’s weather forecast issued by the National Center of Meteorology (NCM), many parts of the UAE are expected to be overcast with a chance of light rain.

Speaking to Gulf News, a senior NCM meteorologist said: “Today, rainy clouds started over the northern coastal areas. Most of the rain reported today was light rain with only some areas seeing moderate rain.

“Cloudy to partly cloudy weather with occasional light rain is expected until Thursday, especially in the northern coastal areas, including Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah. This could extend to the east Some parts of the region before Thursday,” he added.

Explaining the weather conditions in the country, NCM’s weather forecast today said that the UAE is experiencing “an extension of a surface low pressure system from the east and a surface high pressure system from the west, accompanied by an extended pressure system of high pressure aloft.”

The lowest temperature recorded today was 6.4°C.

The Ministry of the Interior (@moiuae) has issued a security alert on its social media channels. “Due to erratic weather conditions, the Home Office is urging drivers to take care while driving,” reads the warning on Instagram.

In a climate summary released this month, the NCM said: “January was characterized by cooler temperatures during the day and colder nights due to the extension of a ridge of high pressure over Siberia associated with cold air masses affecting the country and the entire Arabian Peninsula. .”

Average temperatures in January usually range from 16.4°C to 20°C. Average maximum temperatures range between 21.3°C and 25.7°C.

The summary added that some days of the month will also see rain. “Additionally, during the month, the region has been affected by a series of low-pressure systems passing from west to east, and the country has sometimes been affected by the extension of the Red Sea Trough. Sometimes these pressure systems are associated with high-altitude troughs in this region, according to the Metropolitan Office. Some days of the month lead to the development of clouds in the country accompanied by rainfall.

“This month, the country has also experienced strong northwesterly winds (Shamal), which have caused sand and dust to be kicked up in inland areas, especially exposed areas. These winds have resulted in rough seas with increased wave heights.

“Increased relative humidity, especially in the early morning, increases the chance of fog/fog formation, and the frequency of fog or fog increases more in inland areas than in coastal areas,” the climate summary said.