UAE's winter season to begin officially on December 23

Abu Dhabi - The National Centre of Meteorology predicts drop in temperatures; fog, mist formation expected

The UAE will experience a drop in temperatures — 3-6 degrees Centigrade — in December as the winter season is expected to begin towards the end of the month, according to weather forecasters.

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) said on Wednesday that December is considered as the last month of autumn season in the UAE. During the last part of the month, specifically on December 23, it will mark the beginning of winter this year.

"The month of December is the start of meteorological winter where mean maximum and mean minimum air temperatures decrease," the NCM said in a statement issued to Khaleej Times on Wednesday.

"The country is affected by extension of high pressure system from the north accompanied by northwesterly air flow causing significant decrease of air temperatures during nights, especially over internal parts and mountains."

Forecasters said during December, the country is also affected by westerly upper air troughs leading to development of low and medium clouds with chances of rain associated with thunder at times.

The relative humidity increases, especially during early mornings, due to the passage of moist and moderate air masses over the Arabian Gulf towards the country, which is favourable condition for fog /mist formation.

According to officials, the average temperature during December ranges from 18°C to 21.6°C, with the maximum temperature ranging from 22°C to 27°C and the minimum temperature ranging from 13°C to 17°C.

ismail@khaleejtimes.com