In a remarkable and historic climate development, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is experiencing an early and exceptional start to winter this year, as the National Center for Meteorology confirmed that the country has entered a rare weather condition that exceeds what is typical in the climate records of recent years.
The official spokesperson for the National Center for Meteorology, Hussein Al-Qahtani, told Al-Youm newspaper that the Kingdom has effectively entered an early winter season, announcing that snowfall has expanded beyond the usual northern regions such as Tabuk and the Northern Borders, reaching the Qassim region and the northern parts of the Riyadh region this year. This geographical extension of snow towards the center of the Kingdom is a rare event that warrants attention.
A sharp drop in temperatures
Official forecasts indicate a sharp and significant drop in temperatures, with lows expected to reach as low as -2 degrees Celsius in some areas, signaling a severe frost. Al-Qahtani explained that the center is closely monitoring the movement of the cold air mass, which has already begun affecting the highlands of Tabuk and Hail and continues to expand into new areas in the heart of the Kingdom. He described the arrival of the snow in Qassim and the northern part of the capital as an exceptional event that will give this year's winter a distinctive character.
Climate context and expected impacts
This weather event is particularly significant given the rarity of snowfall in the Najd and central regions. Saudis are accustomed to seeing snow blanketing the Al-Lawz Mountains in Tabuk or other northern areas, so its arrival in Qassim and northern Riyadh represents a departure from usual weather patterns. This event is expected to attract weather enthusiasts and hikers eager to capture these rare moments, but extreme caution is advised due to the risks associated with freezing temperatures and reduced visibility.
Warnings and safety measures
In light of this cold wave, the official spokesperson warned of a frost that could affect daily life and agricultural crops in open areas, emphasizing the need to take necessary precautions. The National Center of Meteorology urged all citizens and residents not to rely on rumors and to obtain information only from official sources.
The center also urged everyone to use the "Anwaa" app and the early warning system to follow real-time updates and accurately track weather conditions, ensuring safe planning for daily activities. Al-Qahtani addressed those wishing to enjoy the winter weather, emphasizing the need to strictly adhere to safety instructions issued by the Civil Defense and relevant authorities, and to choose appropriate times and locations for outings to avoid potential hazards resulting from slips or extreme cold.
