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The UAE is expected to see generally fair to partly cloudy conditions over the Christmas period, with intermittent chances of light rainfall and elevated fog risk during overnight and early morning hours, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM).
In its latest four-day forecast covering December 25 to 28, the NCM said cloud cover will increase at times over islands and parts of the coastal, northern and eastern regions, raising the likelihood of light rain on multiple days, including Christmas Day. While severe weather is not anticipated, the conditions could have operational implications for transport, logistics, aviation, construction and outdoor events during one of the busiest holiday periods of the year.
Christmas Day
On Thursday, December 25, Christmas Day, conditions are forecast to be fair to partly cloudy, becoming cloudy at times over islands and some coastal and northern areas. The NCM indicated a probability of light rainfall, while humidity levels are expected to rise overnight into Friday morning, increasing the chance of fog or mist formation over internal areas. Winds will be light to moderate northwesterly, freshening at times, with sea conditions remaining slight to moderate in the Arabian Gulf.
Similar conditions are expected on Friday, December 26, with partly cloudy to cloudy skies at times over islands and parts of the northern and eastern regions, again carrying a chance of light rainfall. Humidity is forecast to build overnight into Saturday morning, raising the risk of reduced visibility due to fog or mist in some internal areas. Sea conditions are expected to remain manageable for marine activity, staying slight to moderate.
Weekend weather
By Saturday, December 27, skies are expected to remain fair to partly cloudy, becoming cloudier by night over islands and offshore areas, particularly westward. The NCM said light rainfall remains possible, while humid conditions overnight could affect coastal and internal locations early on Sunday.
On Sunday, December 28, the outlook remains broadly unchanged, with fair to partly cloudy conditions and periodic cloud cover over islands and northern areas, alongside a continued probability of light rain. Humidity overnight into Monday morning may again lead to mist formation, particularly in internal regions.
For businesses, the forecast suggests limited disruption risk but highlights the need for early-morning caution, particularly for road transport, aviation operations and last-mile logistics, where fog or mist could affect visibility.
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