The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an urgent and comprehensive warning, alerting residents to a severe polar air mass affecting large parts of the Kingdom. According to the report, this harsh weather system will begin tomorrow, Saturday, and its effects will continue until next Tuesday. Temperatures are expected to drop significantly and sharply, reaching below zero degrees Celsius in some areas, necessitating the utmost caution.
Weather details and affected areas
Weather maps indicate that the direct effects of this polar air mass will encompass a wide geographical area, starting in the northern regions and covering Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders, Tabuk, and Hail, extending to include the Qassim region and the capital, Riyadh, and reaching the northern parts of the Eastern Province. Official forecasts indicate that temperatures will register critical readings ranging between 2 degrees Celsius above zero and 2 degrees below zero, especially during the night and early morning hours in the areas most affected by the cold wave.
Navigation disruption and surface winds
The warning wasn't limited to temperatures; it also included an alert for strong surface winds that will stir up dust and sand, particularly on Sunday and Monday, with the impact concentrated on the coastal areas of Tabuk, Medina, and Mecca. The meteorological department warned of rough sea conditions and waves reaching up to 2.5 meters, posing a real danger to seafarers and fishermen, and threatening the regularity of maritime navigation in those areas.
What is the "Azraq" wave? A climatic and historical context
This cold wave coincides with the start of what is locally and popularly known as the "Aziraq" season in the Kingdom. This term is an integral part of the Arabian Peninsula's climatic heritage, where ancestors used it to describe the days of intense cold when limbs and faces turn blue from the extreme frost. Climatically, this period is classified as one of the harshest periods of winter, usually coinciding with the peak of the winter solstice. It is characterized by long nights and short days, which contribute to increased radiative cooling of the earth and record-breaking low temperatures.
Safety and prevention guidelines
In light of these conditions, relevant authorities, including the Civil Defense and the Ministry of Health, are renewing their calls for adherence to public safety guidelines. During this period, it is advised to avoid using traditional heating methods (such as coal and firewood) in enclosed, unventilated spaces to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, and to wear heavy winter clothing, especially for children and the elderly. Furthermore, motorists traveling on highways in open areas are advised to exercise extreme caution due to the potential for reduced visibility caused by dust and sandstorms.
Between "Al-Murabba'aniyah" and "Shubat"
In a related astronomical context, weather expert Dr. Khaled Al-Zaaq explained that the Kingdom is currently experiencing the final days of the "Al-Murabba'aniyah" season, specifically the fourth day of the third and final star. He confirmed that the current weather, characterized by clear skies and intense cold, reflects the peak of the winter season. The affected areas are preparing to welcome the "Shubat" season in about ten days, a season known in popular memory by names that reflect its intensity, such as "Muqarqa' Al-Biban" (the one who rattles the doors) and "Muqta' Al-Rabat" (the one who cuts the ropes), referring to the strong and volatile winds that characterize this time of year.
