With mid-January often bringing severe cold conditions and temperatures below 5°C in mountainous areas, the UAE has entered the coldest phase of the winter season.
According to experts in the field, the period between January 12 and January 24 is the peak of the winter season in the Gulf heritage calendar of Al Drour.
According to the National Centre of Meteorology, residents across the country experienced the winter chill last week, starting their mornings with temperatures in the single digits.
The coldest day of the year so far was recorded in Raknah (Al Ain) on January 10 at 7.30am, with a temperature of 5.3°C. However, on January 11, the temperature in the area was 5.8°C.
In a recent Instagram post, Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Astronomical Society, stated: "The period from January 12 to 24 every year is considered the peak of winter." This peak of coldness is the general feature of the atmosphere during this period. "Temperatures can drop at any time."
"The heritage calendar and astronomical calculations in the Emirates indicate the peak of cold is during the 'sixtieth day' of the 'one hundred winters' of Al Drour calendar, which is between January 12 and 24."
According to statistics, the UAE has experienced the coldest period for "three days" between January 16 and 18.
According to the traditional calendar of the Arabian Gulf, there are two main winter seasons - "Arba in Al Merei" and "Arba in Al Aqrabi," each lasting 40 days.
In Al Merei, the 'Arba in Al Merei' begins around December 28 and is characterized by extreme cold and heavy rainfall.
"During nighttime and in northern regions, this phenomenon intensifies, creating a 'howling' sound reminiscent of wolves. Throughout this period, temperatures reach their lowest point, characterized by intense cold, and frost forms in the morning.”
It seems that during this time, fish moved into shallow waters in search of warmth. During this period camels drinking partially frozen water could also potentially experience bleeding or develop bloody mouths due to the harsh cold conditions. The end of this period is February 5.
Beginning on February 6, and ending on March 17, the next 40 days, or "Arba in Al Aqrabi," also extend for a similar timeframe.
It is marked by plentiful and extensive rainfall that impacts vast regions. Additionally, it is distinguished by varying wind patterns, including those from the north, northwest, northeast, and southwest.
In this period, the male palm tree (Al Fahal) begins to bloom, signaling the end of the dry season for fruit and citrus trees. Lemon blossoms (Al Bayl) begin to appear.
Among the traditional Arabic terms associated with cold and winter, "Al Sabra" and "sarda" specifically convey the cold and refer to the intensity of winter cold.