Saudi Meteorology: Cold wave and frost in Tabuk, the Northern Region and Al-Jawf

The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an urgent weather alert, warning that large parts of three major regions will be affected by a cold wave accompanied by frost during the early morning hours of Tuesday. These warnings come as part of ongoing monitoring of atmospheric fluctuations in the northern regions of the Kingdom during the winter season.

Weather details and affected areas

The weather report indicated that the phenomenon would begin at 1:00 AM and continue until 8:00 AM, with temperatures experiencing a significant drop ranging from 0°C to 3°C. This sharp decrease would affect the following areas:

• Tabuk region: Specifically in the mountainous highlands such as Jabal Al-Lawz and Al-Aqan, which usually experience the coldest temperatures in the region.
• Northern Borders Region: This includes the governorates of Hazm Al-Jalamid and Tarif.
• Al-Jawf region: The situation is concentrated in Al-Qurayyat and Tabarjal.

Climate context: Why is the North the most affected?

The northern regions of Saudi Arabia (Tabuk, Al-Jawf, and the Northern Borders) are the primary gateway for cold air masses arriving from Siberia or Eastern Europe via the Mediterranean basin. Historically, these areas experience the lowest temperatures in the Kingdom during winter. For example, the city of Tarif is known for recording record low temperatures, having dipped several degrees below freezing in previous years.

Expected effects and safety measures

These cold waves are usually accompanied by frost, which poses a challenge for drivers on highways in the early morning hours due to reduced visibility or vehicles skidding on frozen roads. Frost also directly impacts the agricultural sector, particularly in the Al-Jawf region, which is known for its olive and fruit cultivation, requiring farmers to take precautions to protect their crops.

Experts and relevant authorities advise citizens and residents in those areas to wear heavy winter clothing, exercise caution when using traditional or electric heating methods in enclosed spaces, and drive with extreme caution during the announced warning hours.