The Meteorology Department warns of a cold wave and frost in Tarif and the Northern Borders region
The National Center for Meteorology in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia issued an important and urgent warning to the residents of the Northern Borders region, specifically the Tarf Governorate, regarding the region being exposed to a strong cold wave that will lead to a noticeable and sharp drop in temperatures, which requires taking precautions.
Weather details in Tarif
The center explained in its report that the expected weather conditions include a drop in temperatures ranging from 0°C to -3°C, making it one of the coldest nights the region has experienced during this period. The report indicated that this cold wave will be accompanied by frost formation, which may affect horizontal visibility and traffic on highways.
According to forecasts from the weather service, the impact of this weather condition will begin at 1:00 AM on Thursday and will continue, God willing, until 8:00 AM on the same day, which is the peak period for the drop in temperatures and the formation of frost.
Tarif... the coldest city in the Kingdom
The city of Tarif is widely known as one of the coldest cities in Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Peninsula during winter. This is due to its location in the far north and its high altitude, which makes it vulnerable to polar air masses originating from Siberia and Eastern Europe. Historically, the city has recorded record low temperatures, reaching as low as -7 degrees Celsius in some years, making the current warnings a natural consequence of the region's harsh climate.
Cold wave effects and safety guidelines
These cold waves cast a shadow over daily life in the region, directly affecting several sectors:
- Public health: The risk of catching colds and flu increases, so doctors advise wearing heavy winter clothes, especially for children and the elderly, and avoiding direct exposure to cold air currents.
- Road safety: The formation of frost causes roads to become slippery, requiring drivers to exercise extreme caution, reduce speed, and maintain a safe distance, especially in the early morning hours.
- Agriculture and livestock: Frost poses a threat to crops and livestock, prompting farmers and livestock breeders in the desert and open areas to take preventive measures to protect their property from damage and death.
The relevant authorities, including the Civil Defense, stress the need to follow safety guidelines when using different heating methods (coal, kerosene, and electricity) to avoid suffocation or fire incidents that increase with the intensification of cold waves, calling on everyone to follow official weather reports first-hand.
