Saudi Arabia weather today: 3 degrees Celsius in Tabuk and Hail, and a dust storm
Northern regions of Saudi Arabia experienced a significant drop in temperatures on Monday, January 19, 2026, with the cities of Tabuk and Hail recording the lowest minimum temperatures at just 3 degrees Celsius. This decrease is part of a period of unstable weather affecting several regions, accompanied by strong surface winds and reduced horizontal visibility.
Details of recorded temperatures
According to the data released, Tabuk and Hail were not the only coldest regions, with Arar coming in second place at 4 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the minimum temperature reached 5 degrees Celsius in Rafha, Tarif, and Sakaka, while Qassim and Qurayyat recorded 7 degrees Celsius, reflecting the dominance of the cold air mass over the northern and central parts of the Kingdom.
Climatic context and the impact of high-pressure systems
This cold wave is occurring within the normal climatic context of January, which marks the peak of winter in Saudi Arabia. During this period, the northern and central regions are typically affected by the expansion of the Siberian High, which brings with it cold, dry air masses, leading to a sharp drop in temperatures, particularly during the night and early morning hours. This situation is of particular concern to farmers and livestock breeders, who take extra precautions to protect their crops and animals from potential frost.
Accompanying weather phenomena: wind and dust
The National Center for Meteorology explained in its weather forecast that the weather will not only be cold, but will also witness active surface winds stirring up dust and sand. This activity will be concentrated in parts of Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders, and the Eastern Province, which may lead to near-zero horizontal visibility in open areas and on highways.
Additionally, there is a high probability of dense fog during the night and early morning hours, increasing driving challenges. The fog warning covers parts of the aforementioned regions, as well as parts of the Tabuk and Madinah regions, extending to the western and southwestern highlands of the Kingdom.
State of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
Regarding maritime navigation, the Red Sea is experiencing surface winds with speeds ranging between 15 and 30 km/h, and may reach 45 km/h with the formation of rain-bearing thunderclouds over the central and southern parts, leading to waves reaching up to two meters at times.
In the Arabian Gulf, southeasterly to southerly winds are active at speeds of up to 45 km/h, accompanied by rain-bearing thunderclouds over the northern part, making the sea state relatively rough and turbulent, which calls for caution for seafarers and fishermen.
Public safety recommendations
Given these fluctuating weather conditions, experts advise caution while driving on highways in areas experiencing dust or fog, and stress the importance of wearing appropriate winter clothing in northern regions to avoid catching colds, and regularly following official weather forecasts.
