If you’ve already tucked away your winter sweaters, you might want to keep them handy a bit longer—UAE winter isn’t “officially” over just yet. Despite some recent days where temperatures soared into the mid-30s in desert regions, a return of cooler winds is on the horizon, reminding us that spring hasn’t fully arrived.
Weather expert Mohammed Sajjad, known to many as the UAE Weatherman, explains that winter in the Emirates lasts until March 20, based on the astronomical calendar. “We are not done yet,” Sajjad says, pointing out that a spell of northwesterly winds expected around February 21 and 22 will bring a noticeable drop in temperatures across the country. These winds can lower daytime highs by up to two degrees Celsius, while a shift to southeasterly winds can send temperatures climbing just as quickly.
This tug-of-war between warm and cool air explains the sudden temperature swings residents have felt lately. One day, it might feel like summer is just around the corner; the next, a cool breeze makes it feel like winter again.
While the astronomical end of winter is set for March 20, UAE weather rarely follows the calendar exactly. Local wind directions are a major factor, driving rapid transitions between warm spells and cooler snaps.
Looking ahead, Sajjad expects the winds to calm and southerly breezes to take over by mid-March, paving the way for more consistent pre-summer heat.
On a bigger scale, global climate patterns play a role too. The region is influenced by El Niño and La Niña cycles—global phenomena tied to Pacific Ocean temperatures. La Niña years usually bring cooler, drier weather to the UAE, while El Niño years are warmer and wetter. Although this winter was expected to lean La Niña, February has been unusually warm, and forecasters now see a shift toward a neutral or even El Niño phase, which could mean more rain in March and April.
don’t retire your winter wardrobe just yet. With wind shifts, temperature swings, and global climate patterns all at play, the UAE’s winter still has a few surprises in store before the real heat sets in.
