Saudi Arabia weather: Temperatures to drop and winds to pick up until Thursday
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia has released its weather forecast for the coming days, indicating that the Kingdom will be affected by a cold wave accompanied by strong surface winds, necessitating caution. This forecast comes at the height of winter, a time when the country typically experiences fluctuating weather conditions.
A noticeable drop in temperatures
The center explained in its report that several regions of the Kingdom will experience a noticeable drop in minimum temperatures during the period from Tuesday to Thursday (January 20-22). This drop includes the regions of Tabuk, Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders, Hail, and the northern parts of the Madinah region. Forecasts indicate that minimum temperatures in these areas will range between 2 degrees Celsius above zero and 2 degrees Celsius below zero, resulting in very cold weather that requires adequate heating and heavy winter clothing.
In a related context, the center indicated that the impact of the cold air mass will extend to other regions on Wednesday and Thursday, as the Qassim region and the northern parts of the Eastern and Riyadh regions will be affected by this decrease, with expectations that the minimum temperatures in these parts will range between 4 degrees Celsius and 1 degree Celsius.
Wind activity and dust storms
Regarding wind patterns, the National Center for Meteorology warned of active surface winds that could stir up dust and sand, reducing horizontal visibility. This activity is expected to begin on Tuesday in the Al-Jawf and Northern Borders regions. The effects of these active winds will extend Tuesday evening and through Wednesday to include the Hail, Qassim, Riyadh, Eastern Province, and Najran regions.
The winds will continue to affect the eastern parts of the Asir and Al-Baha regions, as well as the Makkah and Madinah regions, including their coastal areas, on Wednesday and Thursday. These weather phenomena are part of the Arabian Peninsula's typical climate, where northerly and northwesterly winds are active during winter, stirring up dust, especially in open areas and along highways.
Important recommendations and warnings
The National Center of Meteorology urged all citizens and residents to follow the latest weather updates through official channels and to exercise caution, especially those traveling on highways in areas experiencing wind and dust storms. It also advised those with respiratory conditions and asthma to avoid direct exposure to dust and to use safe heating methods during periods of low temperatures to prevent suffocation or fires that could result from the misuse of heaters in enclosed spaces.
