The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an important alert regarding the expected weather conditions, warning of a strong cold wave affecting several regions in the Kingdom, accompanied by a noticeable drop in temperatures and the formation of frost, in addition to wind activity and dust storms in other areas.
Details of the cold wave and affected areas
The weather report indicated that the northern and northwestern regions of the Kingdom will experience a sharp drop in temperatures, with lows expected to range between 0°C and -3°C. This weather pattern will begin at 1:00 AM and continue until 8:00 AM on Wednesday.
The areas affected by this cold wave and the formation of frost include:
- Hail region: It includes the governorates of Baqaa, Muwaqq, and the city of Hail.
- Tabuk region: It is concentrated in the highlands such as Jabal Al-Lawz and Al-Aqan.
- Al-Jawf region: It includes Dumat Al-Jandal, Sakaka, Al-Qurayyat, and Tabarjal.
- Northern Border Region: It includes Al-Uwaiqilah, Rafha, Arar, and Tarif.
The climatic context and nature of winter in the Kingdom
This cold wave is typical of the winter climate in northern Saudi Arabia, where these regions are usually affected by polar air masses from the north. Areas like Jabal al-Lawz in Tabuk and Tarif in the Northern Borders region are among the coldest, recording record-breaking sub-zero temperatures annually. The Tabuk highlands are often blanketed in snow, making them a popular winter tourist destination.
Frost is a weather phenomenon that requires attention, especially for farmers in areas such as Al-Jawf and Tabuk, which are famous for agriculture, as freezing water can affect agricultural crops. It also requires caution from drivers on highways in the early morning hours.
Dust storms and reduced visibility in the Eastern Province
In another aspect of the weather situation, the National Center of Meteorology warned of different effects on the eastern region, where surface winds are active, leading to dust and sandstorms. This condition began Tuesday evening and will continue until 9:00 AM Wednesday.
The alert covers the cities and governorates of Jubail, Khobar, Khafji, Dammam, Qatif, Ras Tanura, Nairyah, Qaryat Al-Ulya, Hafr Al-Batin, Al-Ahsa, and Abqaiq. This condition will cause near-zero horizontal visibility, dropping to between 1 and 3 kilometers, in addition to high waves along the coasts.
Safety recommendations and guidelines
Due to these weather fluctuations, citizens and residents in the northern regions are advised to wear heavy winter clothing and exercise caution when driving early in the morning to avoid skidding caused by frost. Residents of the eastern region, especially those with respiratory conditions, are also advised to take necessary precautions against dust and drive with extreme caution due to reduced visibility.
