Lowest temperatures in Saudi Arabia: Al Qurayyat and Rafha recorded 2 degrees Celsius
Large areas of Saudi Arabia are experiencing a significant drop in temperatures as a cold air mass deepens, affecting most of the Arabian Peninsula. According to the latest report from the National Center for Meteorology , the governorates of Qurayyat and Rafha topped the list of the coldest cities, each recording a low of just 2 degrees Celsius on Tuesday morning, reflecting the peak of the current winter season.
List of the lowest temperatures recorded in the Kingdom
The center explained in its detailed statement that the minimum temperatures varied between the cities of the Kingdom, as the list is as follows:
- Al Qurayyat: Two degrees Celsius.
- Rafha: Two degrees Celsius.
- Hafar Al-Batin: 3 degrees Celsius.
- Arar: 4 degrees Celsius.
- Sakaka: 4 degrees Celsius.
- Tarif: 4 degrees Celsius.
- Riyadh: 5 degrees Celsius.
- Abha: 5 degrees Celsius.
- Buraidah: 5 degrees Celsius.
- Hail: 5 degrees Celsius.
Climate context and the impact of the cold wave
These low temperatures are typical of winter weather in the Kingdom, particularly in the northern and central regions. The northern regions (such as the Northern Borders and Al-Jawf) are the first point of entry for polar air masses originating from the Northern Hemisphere and Siberia. Historically, these areas experience a sharp drop in temperatures during January and February, sometimes falling below freezing, occasionally leading to frost in the early morning hours.
This drop in temperatures directly impacts people's lifestyles, leading to increased demand for heating and heavy winter clothing. Authorities consistently advise caution during these periods when using traditional heating methods (such as coal and firewood) indoors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, and emphasize the importance of dressing children and the elderly appropriately to protect them from catching colds.
Fog warnings in the Eastern Province
Aside from the low temperatures, the National Center of Meteorology, in its weather report, warned of another weather phenomenon affecting the Eastern Province, specifically in Al-Udayd Governorate. The center cautioned against the formation of dense fog, which will reduce horizontal visibility.
According to the warning, the conditions will begin at 1:00 AM and continue until 8:00 AM on Wednesday. The accompanying effects include near-zero visibility, with horizontal ranges between 1 and 3 kilometers. The center urges drivers and highway users in these areas to exercise caution, use fog lights, and maintain a safe following distance to avoid traffic accidents caused by reduced visibility.
