NCM issues safety alert for reduced visibility early sunday / Image: File
If you are planning an early start this Saturday, January 3, 2026, you might want to double-check your windows first. This atmospheric “whiteout” isn’t just a scenic morning view; it is a serious safety concern. The NCM warns that the combination of high humidity and specific pressure systems is creating the perfect recipe for dense mist. Whether you are in the heart of Dubai or commuting through the Abu Dhabi desert, the message from authorities is clear: stay alert and expect the unexpected.
Today’s UAE weather alert
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has issued a weather advisory for dense fog and significantly reduced visibility in parts of Dubai and some internal and coastal areas of the UAE between midnight and 10 am on January 3, 2026. Drivers and residents should brace for potentially near-zero visibility, especially during early morning travel.=Humidity levels are forecast to rise overnight, creating ideal conditions for fog and mist formation across several regions. The NCM’s alert stresses that these conditions may make driving difficult and hazardous, particularly on highways and open roads at first light.According to the NCM forecast:
- Today’s weather will be fair to partly cloudy, with humid nights and mornings increasing fog potential.
- Winds are expected to be light to moderate, becoming fresh to strong over the sea, potentially lifting dust.
- Sea conditions will vary from moderate to rough in the Arabian Gulf and slight in the Oman Sea.
Looking ahead:
- Sunday, January 4 is expected to be dusty and partly cloudy with stronger northwesterly winds (up to ~50 km/h) and reduced visibility due to blowing sand and dust.
- Monday and Tuesday may again see fog and mist formation at night and early morning in western internal areas.
These conditions follow past patterns where fog, mist, and dust events frequently recur in the UAE, leading to both safety alerts and traffic adjustments.
Impact on travel
Authorities are advising motorists to exercise extreme caution:
- Expect horizontal visibility to drop sharply, sometimes close to zero.
- Drive slower, maintain safe distances, and be prepared for sudden low-visibility pockets.
- Watch for changing winds that can introduce blowing dust, especially near highways and open deserts.
Similar fog alerts have frequently prompted red and yellow warnings in previous fog events, with local police reminding drivers to follow posted speed limits and avoid distractions while navigating foggy roads.While the fog is expected to burn off by mid-morning on Saturday, the weather “drama” isn’t over. The NCM’s five-day bulletin indicates that the UAE is entering a transition period. As the fog clears, a shift in air pressure will bring stronger northwesterly winds, reaching speeds of up to 50 km/h by Sunday.This means the “white” fog will likely be replaced by “yellow” dust clouds, further affecting visibility throughout the remainder of the weekend. Sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf are also predicted to turn rough to very rough, so mariners and beachgoers should exercise extreme caution.
