UAE fog to continue for days as near-zero visibility hits morning commutes
Residents across the UAE should brace for a few more foggy mornings before temperatures begin to rise in early March. On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, Dubai woke to a grey, hazy skyline as heavy fog covered parts of the emirate. Visibility dropped sharply and traffic built up during the morning rush hour.
Motorists moved slowly on major highways through the mist. School buses and office commuters also needed extra travel time. Similar conditions were reported in parts of Sharjah, where drivers described it as “driving through a cloud”.
Why the fog keeps returning
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) said calm winds and a high-pressure system helped create the conditions for fog. Dr Ahmed Habib, meteorologist at the NCM, said these factors cooled temperatures near the surface.
When that happens, moisture can condense close to the ground. The result is fog and very poor visibility in the early hours.
More slow mornings likely across several areas
The foggy spell is not over. Dr Habib said fog has been reported over the past two days and is expected to continue even after Wednesday, February 25.
He added that fog remains possible over the next few days. Internal areas of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Dubai are among the locations where it may form again.
For residents, that could mean more cautious early commutes. It may also mean stop-and-go traffic in the morning.
A change later this week
A shift in weather patterns is expected later this week. Dr Habib said cloud formation is expected on February 26, with the air mass beginning to change after that.
Fog can still occur, he noted, but the chances should be lower than in recent days.
Winds could roughen the sea and reduce fog chances
Afternoons may bring different conditions. Northwesterly winds are forecast later in the week, and Dr Habib said they could make sea conditions rough.
As winds strengthen, the likelihood of fog formation typically falls. More air movement can limit the calm, stable conditions that allow fog to build near the surface.
Typical winter pattern with a March warm-up ahead
Dr Habib said this kind of weather is common during seasonal transitions, when temperature and humidity shifts combine. He added that the UAE’s winter season generally lasts until March 21, and fog episodes often occur during stable atmospheric conditions.
Temperatures were expected to increase gradually on Tuesday and Wednesday. However, with northwesterly winds returning on February 27, a temporary dip is likely.
From March 1, residents can expect a gradual warming trend to return.
