Dusty winds and frost risk mark cold wave as Al-Murabba’aniyah nears its end

Kuwait is set to experience a sharp shift in weather conditions beginning Tuesday, as a cold air mass moves across the country, bringing stronger winds, dust-laden conditions, and a marked drop in temperatures, according to the Meteorological Department.

Acting Director of the department, Darrar Al-Ali, said the approaching weather system is linked to an expanding high-pressure zone that is steadily intensifying. This system is driving a cold air flow over the region, triggering a gradual but noticeable decline in temperatures accompanied by active northwesterly winds that may exceed 50 kilometers per hour.

Al-Ali warned that the strong winds are expected to raise dust in open and desert areas, leading to reduced horizontal visibility in certain locations. Maritime conditions will also be affected, with sea waves likely to rise beyond six feet. Daytime weather will range from cool to cold, while nighttime conditions are expected to turn very cold, particularly in exposed areas, reports Al-Qabas daily.

Temperature readings are forecast to reflect the severity of the cold wave. Maximum temperatures on Tuesday are expected to range between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius, while early Wednesday morning lows may fall to between 2 and 5 degrees Celsius.

Daytime highs on Wednesday are projected to drop further, ranging from 13 to 15 degrees Celsius, with an increased likelihood of frost forming at dawn.

The cold spell is expected to be short-lived, with gradual improvement beginning Thursday. Al-Ali said temperatures are forecast to recover, with daytime highs climbing to between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius and nighttime lows ranging from 6 to 9 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, the Al-Ujairi Scientific Center announced that the traditional Al-Murabba’aniyah season is approaching its conclusion with the appearance of its third and final star, “Najm Al-Shula,” which will emerge on Friday, January 2, 2026.

In a statement, the center explained that Al-Shula will remain visible for 13 days and represents the final phase of Al-Murabba’aniyah. During this period, sunrise reaches its latest point of delay in the annual cycle. On the first day of Al-Shula, the sun will rise at 6:43 a.m., while sunset will occur at 5:01 p.m., leaving night hours significantly longer than daylight.

The center noted that nights will continue to dominate the day, averaging approximately 13 hours and 42 minutes. Temperatures during Al-Shula are typically lower at night, particularly in open and elevated areas, intensifying the sense of winter cold.

Astronomically, Al-Shula consists of two closely positioned bright stars located at the tip of Scorpio’s tail, often described as appearing almost joined. The upper star is classified as second magnitude, while the lower is third magnitude. The name “Al-Shula” originates from an Arabic expression likening the formation to a camel lifting its tail.

Regarding weather patterns associated with this phase, the center said the cold often peaks during Al-Shula, with frost possible in exposed locations, early-morning fog formation, and the final shedding of leaves from deciduous trees—hallmarks of the heart of winter.