The United Arab Emirates will see a sharp drop in temperatures Tuesday, June 17, with some regions recording their lowest readings of the year, according to multiple official weather agencies and local news outlets. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) and the UAE’s state-run news organizations have confirmed the shift, warning of dense fog, low clouds, and gusty winds in northern areas—conditions that could disrupt travel and outdoor activities. While coastal regions along the Arabian Gulf and Oman Sea will remain relatively mild, inland areas may experience a 10–15°C decline from recent highs, with some areas potentially dipping below 20°C.
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has issued advisories for widespread fog, particularly in northern emirates like Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, where visibility could drop below 500 meters in some areas. “The fog will persist through the morning hours, gradually dissipating by midday,” an NCM spokesperson told local media. The agency also warned of low-hanging clouds and occasional dust storms, especially in regions near the Oman border, where winds could reach 40 km/h from a southwestern direction.
Dubai’s meteorological office reported the lowest recorded temperature in the emirate since January, with thermometers in some areas falling to 18°C early Tuesday. “This is unusual for mid-June,” said a statement from the Dubai Municipality’s environmental department, adding that the drop follows a week of unusually high humidity. The NCM attributed the change to a high-pressure system shifting over the Arabian Peninsula, pulling cooler air from the north.
Marine conditions will also be affected, with the NCM forecasting moderate waves in the Arabian Gulf and light to moderate swells in the Oman Sea. “Boaters and fishermen should exercise caution, particularly near the Strait of Hormuz, where winds may exceed 25 km/h,” the agency advised. Coastal areas, including Abu Dhabi’s Musandam Peninsula and Fujairah’s beaches, may experience brief squalls, though authorities have not issued any travel restrictions.
The temperature shift comes as the UAE prepares for a busy week of events, including the annual Dubai Shopping Festival and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which begins June 20. Organizers have not yet announced adjustments to schedules, but officials from the Abu Dhabi Tourism Department told local outlets they are monitoring conditions. “We’re in close coordination with meteorological teams to ensure safety for visitors,” a department spokesperson said.
Historically, June temperatures in the UAE typically range between 35°C and 45°C, making the current drop significant. The last recorded cold snap of this magnitude occurred in May 2025, when a similar high-pressure system caused temperatures to plummet across the Gulf region. At the time, the NCM described the event as “atypical for late spring,” a trend climate experts have linked to shifting atmospheric patterns in the Arabian Sea.
For residents and visitors, authorities recommend checking local weather updates before travel, particularly in northern emirates where fog and gusty winds are expected. The NCM’s 24-hour forecast can be accessed via their official website or mobile app, with hourly updates available for key cities.
No major disruptions to infrastructure or public services have been reported, though some schools in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah have delayed morning outdoor activities. The NCM has not issued any red alerts, classifying the conditions as “moderate risk” for transportation and agriculture.
The temperature drop follows weeks of unusually high heat, with Dubai recording its hottest May in a decade. The contrast has led some meteorologists to speculate about long-term climate trends, though the NCM has emphasized that the current shift is tied to short-term atmospheric changes rather than broader climate signals.
