'Ayaam Al Ajouz,' a sudden cold wave begins today and lasts for 8 days

Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Astronomical Society, explained that the "Ayaam Al Ajouz" or "Bard Al Ajouz" translated into English "Days of the Old Woman" in Arab tradition refers to a period of eight days marked by sudden intense cold and strong winds.

This cold snap occurs at the end of winter, typically spanning the last four days of February and the first four days of March, specifically from Feb.26 to March 4.

He explained that these days are often referred to as "the days of separation" because they linger uncertainly between winter and spring, marking a pivotal transition that affects everyone in some way.

He further elaborated that they are also known as "the days of the old woman" or "the old woman's cold."

This name comes either from the sharp, unexpected chill occurring at the end of winter or from a traditional tale about an old woman who warned her community of an approaching cold spell, a warning they chose to ignore.