Northern Borders weather: Temperatures as low as -3°C and frost warning issued

The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued of Arar and the governorate of Tarif , where a sharp and significant drop in temperatures, reaching freezing levels, is expected.

According to the center's report, the severe weather conditions will begin to have a significant impact starting at 2:00 AM on Sunday and will continue for six consecutive hours until 8:00 AM. Accurate weather forecasts indicate that minimum temperatures will range between 0°C and -3°C , creating a high probability of frost , which necessitates taking extreme precautions.

Climate background: Why are the northern borders the coldest?

The Northern Borders region, specifically the province of Tarif, is considered one of the coldest areas in Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Peninsula during winter. This is due to its geographical location in the far north and its high altitude, which makes it the primary passage for polar air masses coming from Siberia and Eastern Europe. Historically, Tarif has recorded the lowest temperatures in the Kingdom's climate records, making the residents of these areas accustomed to the harshness of winter. However, warnings remain necessary to remind everyone of the need to be prepared.

Cold wave effects and safety guidelines

The impact of this cold wave is not limited to the feeling of extreme cold, but extends to multiple aspects of daily life and public safety:

• Road safety: The formation of frost in the early morning hours leads to vehicles skidding on highways and internal roads, so experts advise delaying going out in the early morning except for extreme necessity, and driving with extreme caution.
• Heating methods: As the cold intensifies, reliance on various heating methods (coal, firewood, electric heaters) increases. The General Directorate of Civil Defense consistently emphasizes the importance of ventilating spaces to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and ensuring the safety of electrical connections to avoid fires.
• Public health: Residents, especially children and the elderly, should wear heavy winter clothing to keep their bodies warm and protect them from colds and respiratory illnesses that are prevalent in such weather.

This weather condition is part of the usual weather fluctuations at the peak of the winter season in the Kingdom, where the northern and central regions are affected by high-pressure systems that contribute to lowering temperatures and clearing clouds, which increases the Earth's loss of heat at night (terrestrial radiation) and causes freezing.