In case you are wondering how the climate is in the UAE, this post will give you more than that. Along the way, I will be answering the following interesting questions as well:
1- Did it ever snow in the UAE?
2- Did a tornado ever affect the UAE?
3- What about cyclones?
4- Does the temperature reach the freezing point in the UAE?
5- Does it rain in the UAE during the summer?
First the UAE is situated on 24N 54E. Below is a map of the UAE. Click here for google map.
Hajar mountains cover NE UAE
The UAE has a very dry climate. Summers are extremely hot and humid with high temperatures in the 40s. However, winters bring pleasant temperatures with coastal highs in mid 20s and lows in teens. Winter precipitation is highly irregular, meaning that a certain winter can bring either no/ little rainfall or much rainfall compared to average.
So let’s answer the weird questions mentioned above:
1- Did it ever snow in the UAE?
Yes it did. But it happened on UAE’s highest mountain (Jees mountain, around 1700m above sea level). Temperature there often drops to or near freezing level during winter. With the passage of cold front, snow can fall there witht the right conditions. There are 2 snow events that are well-documented (in Jan 2009 & Dec 2004). And there are probably other non-documented cases. Click here for more.
Snow covers Jees mountain Jan 2009 (Gulfnews)
2- Did a tornado/waterspout ever affect the UAE?
Yes. Severe thunderstorms can develop tornadoes. On Jan 1st, 2003, a waterspout formed near the shores of Sharjah and Ajman. But it dissipated before causing any damage. Click here for a video of a tornado on Dec 29 2006 near Ras Al Khaymah.
Jan2003 waterspout
Summer twin tornadoes Oct 25th 2007 in Madam area, UAE
3- What about cyclones?
… Continue reading UAE Weather for Dummies! »»»
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