A powerful cold wave is set to sweep across the UAE this week, bringing heavy rain, gusty winds, rough seas and one of the sharpest temperature drops of the season.

According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), a surface low-pressure system supported by an upper-level trough and a deep cold air mass will affect the country from Wednesday, March 4, through Thursday, March 5.

Forecasters warn that cold conditions may continue into the weekend. They say this is among the more defined cold spells of the current season. Nights on Thursday and Friday are expected to be particularly chilly.

Another cold wave may follow shortly after, suggesting the cooler pattern could extend beyond just a few days. Marine conditions are also set to deteriorate. Beachgoers and water sports enthusiasts are urged to monitor official marine updates before heading out.

Why is it getting so cold?

Weather models show a strong cold air push into the Arabian Peninsula.

This week and next:

• Daytime highs will fall below seasonal averages
• Nights and early mornings will feel significantly colder

Once the wind shifts from southeasterly to northwesterly, temperatures are expected to drop quickly.

Expected wet days

Rainfall is expected across scattered parts of the country during the Wednesday–Thursday period.

Most active period:

• Thursday night into Friday night
• Peak intensity: Midnight to early morning hours

Northern and eastern regions may see heavier bursts of rain.

Motorists commuting before dawn are advised to drive carefully due to wet roads and possible reduced visibility.

Strong winds and blowing dust

Winds are forecast to strengthen as the system develops.

Expect:

• Moderate to fresh gusts
• Possible strong winds in open areas
• Blowing dust across desert highways
• Sudden drops in visibility inland

Drivers should remain alert, especially outside city centres.

What residents should do

• Check updated forecasts daily
• Drive cautiously during rain and dust
• Avoid sea activities in rough conditions
• Dress warmly during early mornings and nights

What to expect this weekend

The unsettled weather may continue through the weekend, with lingering showers, cooler temperatures and persistent northwesterly winds. Families planning outdoor activities are advised to stay up to date, as conditions may shift.

Residents across the UAE can expect foggy conditions to continue into Wednesday morning, February 25, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM).

The NCM said fair to partly cloudy skies will prevail at times, but early hours are likely to see fog or mist forming over internal areas. Humidity levels are expected to increase overnight and into Thursday morning, raising the risk of reduced visibility once again.

Morning fog risk

The fog is expected during late-night and early-morning hours, particularly in inland regions, potentially affecting visibility for commuters. Motorists are advised to exercise caution and monitor official weather alerts before heading out.

Rising temperatures

Temperatures are gradually climbing across the country:

• Abu Dhabi: High of 31°C, low of 17°C
• Sharjah: High of 31°C, low of 11°C
• Dubai: High of 32°C, low of 19°C

Despite the warmer daytime conditions, humidity will contribute to hazy and misty conditions during early hours.

Winds and Sea Conditions

Light to moderate winds will blow from southeasterly to northwesterly directions, with speeds ranging between 10 km/h and 25 km/h. At times, winds may strengthen to reach up to 40 km/h.

Sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf will be slight to moderate, becoming gradually rough by night, while the Oman Sea will remain slight.

Authorities continue to advise residents to stay updated with official forecasts, especially during early morning hours when fog formation is most likely.

Residents in Dubai woke up on Tuesday morning to unusually dense fog that blanketed much of the emirate, sharply reducing visibility and affecting road and air travel across the region.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai shared a striking image on his official Instagram account, capturing Dubai’s iconic skyline, including the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab, emerging above a thick layer of white mist as the fog settled over the city. The photograph quickly circulated online, highlighting the dramatic weather conditions.

Sheikh Hamdan’s shared image drew attention to the rare visual phenomenon of Dubai’s skyline appearing almost like an island of skyscrapers above a sea of morning mist, a reminder of the seasonal weather patterns that can occur in the UAE.

Visibility drops and travel disruption

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) had issued a visibility warning early Tuesday, with fog expected to linger until around 10am, significantly impacting morning commutes. Heavy fog was reported across Dubai and neighbouring emirates, including Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, with visibility dropping to just a few hundred metres in some areas.

Traffic authorities urged motorists to reduce speed, use fog lights, and maintain safe following distances, as dense patches caused slower-than-usual travel conditions on major routes such as the E311 Emirates Road.

Airport delays and commuter impact

The morning fog also affected travel at Dubai International Airport, where some arrivals and departures were delayed due to limited visibility. Passengers were advised to check the status of flights before travelling to the airport.

Five-Day forecast: Mist risk to continue

According to the NCM’s five-day national forecast, the current alert follows a period of fluctuating temperatures and changing maritime conditions.

While Tuesday is expected to see a rise in temperatures under fair to partly cloudy skies, humidity will build overnight, increasing the risk of mist formation across western coastal regions into Wednesday morning.

On Wednesday, similar conditions are forecast, with overnight and early Thursday humidity bringing a risk of mist in some internal areas. Southeasterly winds will shift north-westerly and freshen westwards by night, reaching speeds of up to 40 km/h. Seas will build from slight to moderate, becoming rough in the Arabian Gulf by night.

Temperatures are expected to ease on Thursday under fair to partly cloudy skies, with inland areas facing a risk of fog overnight into Friday. North-westerly to south-westerly winds may again reach up to 40 km/h. Sea conditions are forecast to remain moderate to rough in the Arabian Gulf, with rough seas developing in the Oman Sea by evening.

On Friday, skies will stay fair to partly cloudy, especially westwards, while rough morning seas are expected to subside gradually.

By Saturday, temperatures will edge up once more under fair to partly cloudy skies, accompanied by lighter winds and slight to moderate seas.

Safety advice and forecast

Authorities urged drivers, especially on school bus routes and early commuters, to take extra care on the roads. The visibility advisory is expected to ease as the fog lifts later in the morning, while weather forecasts suggest fair to partly cloudy conditions with rising temperatures throughout the day.

(Additional photos and videos by Sudha Dash)