A heatwave hits Saudi Arabia: Temperature drops and weather warnings issued
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an urgent and comprehensive warning, alerting citizens and residents to the impact of a severe polar air mass, known locally as "Al-Aziraq," on the Kingdom's weather. This harsh weather system is expected to begin tomorrow, Saturday, and continue until next Tuesday, bringing with it a sharp drop in temperatures that may reach or fall below freezing in many areas.
Weather details and affected areas
According to meteorological data, a polar air mass will affect a wide geographical area encompassing Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders, Tabuk, Hail, Al-Qassim, Riyadh, and extending to the northern parts of the Eastern Province. Accurate forecasts indicate that temperatures will reach critically low levels, ranging between 2 degrees Celsius above zero and 2 degrees below zero, making it one of the coldest periods of winter this year.
Coinciding with the severe cold, weather maps have detected active surface winds stirring up dust and sand, particularly on Sunday and Monday, concentrated along the coastal areas of Tabuk, Medina, and Mecca. Authorities have also warned of extremely rough seas, with waves potentially reaching heights of up to 2.5 meters, posing a danger to maritime navigation and fishermen.
What is the "Blue Wave"? And why is it called by this name?
This cold snap occurs within a climatic period known in Saudi folklore and astronomy as "Al-Aziraq" or "Al-Aziraq Week." This period, which typically coincides with the beginning of January, is considered the coldest and harshest time of the year. The popular name stems from the fact that bodies and faces tend to turn blue due to the intense cold and the congestion caused by the low temperatures. This period is characterized by exceptionally long nights and short days, and it marks the peak of the winter solstice in the Arabian Peninsula.
The end of the forty-day period and the approach of the February season
In a related 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. This period is characterized by clear skies, allowing terrestrial radiation to escape at night, thus intensifying the surface cold.
The affected areas are preparing to welcome the "Shubat" season in about ten days, the season that immediately follows the "Murbaniyah" period. In traditional memory, "Shubat" is known by names that reflect its intensity, such as "the rattler of doors" and "the breaker of tent ropes," referring to the strong and unpredictable winds that characterize it. These winds are capable of knocking on doors and breaking tent ropes, necessitating everyone to take precautions, secure safe heating methods, and stay away from wadis and open areas during periods of high winds.
