The United Arab Emirates is gearing up for the coldest stretch of the entire year, with a significant temperature drop forecasted to grip the nation. Meteorological authorities have pinpointed the period from January 10 to January 22, 2026, as the peak of the winter season, promising the most dramatic dip in mercury levels.
The Science and Folklore Behind the Deep Chill
This anticipated cold snap is not a random weather event but a well-documented annual phenomenon. According to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society, it is deeply rooted in both regional tradition and modern atmospheric science. The phase is traditionally known as "Der Al Sittin", which translates to "the sixty days". This term from Gulf folklore describes a sustained period of intense cold that locals have recognised for generations.
Meteorologists link this chilling phase to specific celestial and atmospheric patterns. A key indicator is the evening culmination of the Thuraya (Pleiades) constellation, an event historically associated with the arrival of severe winter cold in Arab culture. This blend of ancient wisdom and contemporary forecasting serves as a reliable signal that winter is reaching its zenith.
What to Expect: Weather Patterns and Precautions
While daytime temperatures across most of the UAE will remain pleasant, mornings and nights will turn significantly colder, particularly in the hours before sunrise. Residents can expect:
- Cool, crisp breezes becoming more pronounced.
- A strong possibility of frost forming in open desert and inland areas.
- Daytime comfort but a sharp nightly chill.
In the days leading up to this main cold spell, the weather is already showing wintry signs. Parts of Abu Dhabi and other inland regions have experienced fog and reduced visibility, urging drivers to exercise caution. Coastal emirates like Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah might see light rain and cloudy skies. Night-time temperatures in major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi have already fallen to the mid-teens Celsius, marking a noticeable change from recent weeks.
A Celestial Spectacle: The Super "Wolf Moon"
Adding to the atmosphere of this chilly period is a celestial highlight. The first full moon of 2026, known as the "Wolf Moon", will grace the skies during this cold snap. This year, it will be a supermoon, appearing larger and brighter as it reaches its closest point to Earth. While the name originates from North American and European folklore, where wolves were believed to howl more on freezing nights, it aptly complements the UAE's own frosty January evenings.
This annual cold stretch offers residents and visitors a chance to experience a definitive seasonal rhythm of the Gulf region. It serves as a reminder of the traditional weather patterns that have long been a part of the local calendar, providing a distinct and authentic winter experience in the heart of the desert.
