Tarif records zero degrees Celsius... List of lowest temperatures and warnings for the Eastern Province
The city of Tarif in the Northern Borders region recorded the lowest temperature in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, reaching zero degrees Celsius , according to official data from the National Center for Meteorology. This significant drop is part of a cold wave affecting the northern regions of the Kingdom, a phenomenon that occurs annually at this time of year. Tarif and the northern regions are known for their extreme cold due to their geographical location and high altitude.
List of the lowest temperatures recorded in the Kingdom
The National Center for Meteorology's report indicated a variation in the minimum temperatures recorded this morning in a number of cities and governorates of the Kingdom, with Tarif topping the list. The rankings were as follows:
- Tarif: 0 degrees Celsius.
- Al Qurayyat: 1 degree Celsius.
- Sakaka: 3 degrees Celsius.
- Tabuk: 3 degrees Celsius.
- Arar: 4 degrees Celsius.
- Hail: 6 degrees Celsius.
- Rafha: 6 degrees Celsius.
Weather experts indicate that these rates are considered normal in the context of the Kingdom’s winter climate, as the northern regions are affected by cold air masses coming from the north, which calls on residents to take the necessary precautions to prevent colds and use safe heating methods.
Dust storms and warnings for the Eastern Province
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Kingdom's climate map, the National Center for Meteorology issued an advanced warning (red alert) regarding the weather conditions in the Eastern Province. The center warned of active surface winds that would stir up dust and sand, potentially developing into dust storms that could lead to zero or near-zero horizontal visibility.
The warnings covered several governorates and cities, including Al-Ahsa, Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, Dhahran, Qatif, Abqaiq, Ras Tanura, and Al-Udayd . The report indicated that the weather conditions began Sunday night and would continue until the early hours of Monday morning, with visibility expected to drop to less than one kilometer in some areas.
Safety and prevention recommendations
Due to the fluctuating weather conditions, ranging from extreme cold in the north to dust storms in the east, authorities have urged citizens and residents to exercise caution. Motorists on highways in the Eastern Province are advised to drive with extreme care and maintain a safe distance between vehicles due to reduced visibility. Those with respiratory conditions and asthma are also advised to avoid direct exposure to dust.
In the northern regions, the recommendations emphasize the need to wear heavy winter clothing, especially for children and the elderly, and to ensure the safety of water heaters, wood-burning stoves, and electric heaters to avoid suffocation or fires that may be common in such cold weather.
