If winter felt mild so far in the UAE, get ready to experience something more edgy. The UAE is heading into its coldest stretch of the season, and it runs from January 10 to January 22, 2026. The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Astronomical Society has confirmed the news, and it’s time to prepare to welcome the harsh and coldest winter climate in the UAE.
UAE’s Coldest Winter Stretch Arrives With Chilly Mornings And A Rare Supermoon
Mid-January consistently marks the lowest temperatures of the year across the UAE, as cited by the Chairman in a report by Gulftoday.
What Is “Dur Al Sittin” And Why Does It Matter?
This cold stretch usually aligns with a period known in local folklore as Dur Al Sittin. It’s often translated as ‘the cold of a knife’, and honestly, it makes sense given the weather warning. During these days, early mornings in desert areas can dip below 5°C, especially before sunrise.
Cities might experience less brutal but still sharp colder climates across the UAE.
Stars, Seasons, And Serious Cold In The UAE
Here’s where science and tradition come together to explain the upcoming climatic conditions. This cold window coincides with the evening alignment of the Pleiades star cluster. In Arab culture, its appearance has long signalled intense winter conditions.
A Full Moon To Appear This Winter
January 2026 also brings the year’s first full moon, known as the Wolf Moon. This one appears as a supermoon, since it aligns with the Moon’s closest point to Earth in its orbit.
The name traces back to agricultural calendars in North America and Western Europe, where wolves were said to howl more during extreme cold and food shortages.
Other names float around too, including the Harvest Moon and the Hunter’s Moon, depending on region and tradition.
Rainfall Forecasts
January is expected to be a month of different weather conditions with cold and rainfall together. It would possibly stay within its usual range, averaging 12 to 18 mm over the month and might spread across six to eight rainy days.
Chairman Al Jarwan also offered a reality check on weather predictions. Reliable forecasts stretch only five days ahead. Beyond that, accuracy drops fast. A two-day forecast exceeds 90% reliability.
Tiny changes now can cause major shifts later, and scientists have coined it as butterfly effect.
Also Read: UAE Winter Camping Rules 2025-26: Legal Sites, Safety Tips And Fines You Must Know!
Why Keeping A Tab On The Forecast Matters
Cold waves, dust storms, and sudden weather swings are expected across the region. Monitoring official forecasts helps protect public health, reduce travel risks, and prevent avoidable losses.
So plan smart as the UAE is set to experience winter’s sharpest edge in the next few days.
Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/ Alexander Ozerov
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