The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has forecast generally moderate weather conditions across the UAE during Ramadan 2026, which falls in the second half of February and the first half of March.

Moderate days, cooler nights

Daytime temperatures are expected to remain moderate during the first half of Ramadan, with a slight rise anticipated toward the end of the month. Nights will be pleasant overall, turning relatively cool during late-night and early-morning hours, particularly in inland and mountainous areas.

According to climatological data, average maximum temperatures will range between 26°C and 32°C, with some inland areas potentially reaching up to 40°C at midday.

Average minimum temperatures are expected to range between 18°C and 21°C, while certain mountainous and inland locations could see temperatures drop to near or below 0°C in the early morning.

Rainfall outlook

Weather patterns during this period are typically influenced by the Siberian High pressure system, which can occasionally weaken, allowing low-pressure systems to move across the region. If combined with upper-level troughs, these systems may increase cloud formation and bring rainfall.

However, long-term forecasts indicate that rainfall is expected to be around or below the seasonal average of 8mm for the month. For comparison, the highest 24-hour rainfall recorded during this period reached 287.6mm in Al Shuwaib on March 9, 2016.

Fog, humidity and winds

Humidity levels are likely to increase during nighttime and early morning hours, creating favourable conditions for fog and mist in some areas.

• Average maximum relative humidity: 70–85% (night and early morning)
• Average minimum relative humidity: 20–35% (daytime)

Winds are expected to be southeasterly during the night and morning, shifting to northwesterly in the afternoon and evening due to land and sea breeze circulation.

The average wind speed is around 13 km/h, though stronger winds may occur with active weather systems, potentially causing blowing dust and sand in exposed areas. The strongest recorded gust during this period reached 141 km/h at Jebel Mebreh on February 27, 2010.

Fasting hours in the UAE

Fasting hours at the start of Ramadan will be approximately 12 hours and 46 minutes, gradually increasing to around 13 hours and 25 minutes by the end of the month, based on Abu Dhabi and surrounding areas. Minor variations may occur depending on location.

Passengers travelling through Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) are advised to check their flight status after adverse weather conditions disrupted airport operations early Tuesday.

Dubai Airports confirmed that 12 flights were cancelled and 23 inbound flights diverted after weather conditions affected aircraft movements at both airports. Disruptions began in the early hours of the morning.

Airport authorities said they are working closely with airlines and service partners to restore normal operations and minimise inconvenience to passengers. Travellers are strongly advised to contact their airline directly for the latest updates before heading to the airport.

What travellers should know

• Flight delays, cancellations or diversions may continue, particularly during early morning and late-night hours
• Fog or mist is possible across coastal and inland areas, which could impact visibility
• Passengers should allow extra travel time to reach the airport and monitor airline notifications closely

Passenger advice

• Check your flight status before leaving home
• Sign up for airline alerts and notifications
• Arrive early and be prepared for possible schedule changes

Dubai Airports said it will continue to monitor weather conditions and provide updates as needed.

Foggy conditions to prevail throughout week

Meanwhile, the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has forecast fair to partly cloudy conditions across the UAE in the coming days, with high humidity overnight increasing the risk of fog.

From Wednesday to Saturday, fair to partly cloudy conditions are expected, with rising temperatures and high humidity at night and in the early morning. Fog or mist may form on several days.

Dubai RTA and Sharjah Police have urged motorists to drive with caution, expect delays and allow extra travel time, especially on major roads during early morning hours.

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has forecast continued humid morning conditions over parts of the UAE’s inland and coastal areas, with a chance of fog or light fog from tomorrow through January 31.

According to the forecast, weather conditions will be generally fair to partly cloudy, with low clouds appearing at times over eastern, northern and coastal regions. There is also a possibility of light, scattered rainfall in some areas during the period.

Temperatures are expected to rise gradually on Thursday, followed by a noticeable decrease on Friday.

Winds will vary between north-westerly and south-easterly, remaining light to moderate and occasionally active, with speeds ranging from 10 to 25 km/h, reaching up to 35–40 km/h at times. Sea conditions will range from slight to moderate, becoming rough at times, particularly in the Arabian Gulf toward the end of the week.

Fog or light fog is most likely during the early morning hours, especially over western, coastal and inland areas. Motorists are advised to exercise caution due to reduced visibility.