Lowest temperatures in Saudi Arabia: Al-Qurayyat and Hail record 1 degree Celsius
Various regions of Saudi Arabia witnessed a significant drop in temperatures on Monday, with the governorates of Al-Qurayyat and Hail topping the list of the coldest cities, recording only one degree Celsius, according to official data issued by the National Center for Meteorology in its daily weather report.
List of the lowest recorded temperatures in the cities of the Kingdom
The National Center for Meteorology, in its detailed statement, explained the variation in minimum temperatures across several cities and governorates of the Kingdom, with the figures reflecting the cold wave affecting the northern and central regions in particular. The cities were ranked according to their recorded temperatures as follows:
- Al Qurayyat: One degree Celsius.
- Hail: One degree Celsius.
- Tarif: Two degrees Celsius.
- Al-Dawadmi: 3 degrees Celsius.
- Arar: 3 degrees Celsius.
- Sakaka: 3 degrees Celsius.
- Rafha: 4 degrees Celsius.
- Buraidah: 4 degrees Celsius.
- Tabuk: 5 degrees Celsius.
- Hafar Al-Batin: 6 degrees Celsius.
- Riyadh: 7 degrees Celsius.
Winter climate in the northern regions of the Kingdom
The northern regions of Saudi Arabia, such as Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders, Tabuk, and Hail, are among the areas most affected by cold waves and Siberian air masses from the north during winter. This is due to their geographical location, close to the influences of the Mediterranean and Levantine climates, as well as their topography, which contributes to sharply lower temperatures, sometimes dropping below freezing and causing frost.
Impact of weather conditions and meteorological alerts
Along with the drop in temperatures, the weather report indicated increased surface wind activity, stirring up dust and sand, which could lead to near-zero horizontal visibility on some highways and in open areas. These weather phenomena are typical for this time of year, as cold air masses interact with warm currents, creating atmospheric instability.
Recommendations and guidelines for dealing with cold waves
In these cold conditions, experts advise caution, especially for residents of areas experiencing very low temperatures. Recommendations include wearing heavy winter clothing, ensuring the safety of home heating appliances and using them safely to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning or fires, and driving with extreme caution in areas with reduced visibility due to dust or morning fog that may form as a result of the extreme cold.
