Thunderstorms and strong winds mark the UAE’s slow shift from winter to spring.
Dubai: Residents across the United Arab Emirates can expect a steady move away from winter’s cooler weather as the region enters the traditional “Scorpion season” — a six-week transitional period lasting until mid-March that marks the shift from winter to spring.
The transitional period, which began on February 6 according to Emirati astronomy expert Ibrahim Al Jarwan, will gradually bring rising temperatures. Alongside the warming trend, residents can expect typical Gulf weather patterns, including thunderstorms, shifting winds, and the occasional late-season cold spell.
From cold to warm: A seasonal shift
Al Jarwan, who heads the Emirates Astronomical Society, describes this roughly 40-day phase as a key turning point in the region’s climate cycle. Unlike the sharp seasonal transitions seen elsewhere in the world, the Arabian Peninsula experiences a more gradual change, where cool mornings can still linger even as afternoons steadily grow warmer.
“We’re transitioning from the coldest stretch of winter toward conditions that will gradually usher in spring,” said Ibrahim Al Jarwan, who also serves with the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences.
The season takes its distinctive name from the Scorpius constellation, which appears on the southeastern horizon at dawn during this time of year. In ancient tradition, the period is also associated with young scorpions emerging from winter dormancy — a natural occurrence that aligns with the region’s shifting weather patterns.
Three distinct phases ahead
The season unfolds in three roughly two-week stages, each bringing its own weather pattern:
Now through February 22:
This opening phase holds on to much of winter’s character. Northern areas may still see frost — often referred to locally as “February frost” — while chances of rain remain. Temperatures continue to feel wintry, especially during the early mornings and evenings.
February 23 to March 7:
The middle stretch signals a noticeable shift. Nights stay cool, but daytime temperatures rise more clearly. This period can also bring brief returns of colder weather — nature’s final reminder of winter before it loosens its grip. Rain remains possible, though typically less intense.
March 8 to March 18:
The final stage marks a clearer transition toward spring. Daytime warmth becomes established, nights grow milder, and daylight hours nearly match nighttime before gradually extending further. This phase usually wraps up around March 20, when spring conditions take hold more firmly across the Arabian Peninsula.
What it means for daily life
Beyond shifting temperatures, the “Scorpion season” has long carried practical significance for communities across the region. Traditionally, it has been seen as a favourable time for agriculture, as rainfall refreshes the land and supports crop growth. Livestock productivity often improves, and the natural landscape responds positively to increased moisture and milder conditions.
Residents of the United Arab Emirates may notice more changeable weather from one day to the next — clear, sunny mornings giving way to afternoon cloud cover, sudden temperature fluctuations, and more frequent rumbles of thunder. Shifting wind patterns could also impact visibility and outdoor plans.
Ibrahim Al Jarwan emphasizes that while traditional seasonal knowledge offers helpful insight, residents should continue to follow official weather forecasts for accurate daily updates and any potential severe weather alerts during this transitional period.
