If youintend to get an early start this Saturday, January 3, 2026,
might want to double-check your Windows first. This atmospheric “whiteout” is not just a beautiful morning scene; this is a serious security concern.
The NCM warns that the combination of high humidity and specific pressure systems is creating the perfect recipe for dense haze
. Whether you’re in the heart of Dubai or travelling through the desert of Abu Dhabi, the message from authorities is clear:
Remain vigilant and expect the unexpected.
Today’s weather warning for the United Arab Emirates
The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) has issued a weather advisory for dense fog and significantly reduced visibility over parts of Dubai and some interior and coastal areas of the UAE between midnight and 10 am on January 3, 2026.
Drivers and residents should prepare for potentially near-zero visibility, especially during the morning commute.
Humidity levels are expected to increase at night, creating ideal conditions for fog and mist to form over many areas.
The NCM alert emphasises that these conditions can make driving difficult and dangerous, especially on highways and open roads.
According to the NCM forecast:
- Today’s weather will be clear to partly cloudy; chances of humid nights and fog in the morning will increase.
- Winds over the sea are expected to be light to moderate, fresh to strong, potentially raising dust.
- Sea conditions will vary from moderate to rough in the Arabian Gulf and minor in the Oman Sea.
Looking ahead:
- Sunday, January 4, is expected to be dusty and partly cloudy, with strong north-westerly winds (up to ~50 km/h) and blowing sand and dust resulting in reduced visibility.
- On Monday and Tuesday, the western interior areas may once again experience fog and mist during the night and morning hours.
These conditions follow previous patterns where fog, haze and dust events have become frequently repeated in the UAE.
leading to both safety alerts and traffic adjustments.
impact on travel
Officials are advising motorists to use extreme caution:
- Expect a rapid decline in horizontal visibility, sometimes close to zero.
- Maintain a safe distance, drive slowly, and be ready for sudden low visibility conditions.
- Monitor shifting winds that may stir up dust, particularly in areas close to highways and open deserts.
Similar fog alerts in previous fog incidents have often produced red and yellow warnings.
with local police reminding drivers to obey posted speed limits and avoid distractions when driving on foggy roads.
Although the fog is expected to clear by Saturday morning, the weather “drama” is not over yet.
The NCM’s five-day bulletin indicates that the UAE is entering a transition period. As the fog clears,
Changes in air pressure will result in strong north-westerly winds, reaching speeds of up to 50 km/h by Sunday.
This means that the “white” fog is likely to be replaced by “yellow” dust clouds.
affecting visibility for the remainder of the weekend. Boaters and beachgoers should exercise extreme caution due to the predicted rough to very rough sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf.
