The National Center for Meteorology in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced today, Saturday, December 20, 2025, the official list of the lowest temperatures recorded in various cities and governorates of the Kingdom, as the northern and central regions witnessed a noticeable decrease in temperatures, reflecting the actual arrival of winter weather that characterizes this period of the year.
Details of recorded temperatures
According to data released by the center, Tabuk the list with the lowest recorded temperature of 1 degree Celsius , making it the coldest region of the day. Dawadmi, Tarif, Qurayyat, and Taif followed closely behind, all recording 2 degrees Celsius , indicating a widespread cold wave affecting large areas of northern, central, and western Saudi Arabia.
In a related context, the cities of Hail and Sakaka recorded 3 degrees Celsius, while Buraidah in the Qassim region, Bisha, and Rafha governorate all recorded 4 degrees Celsius, so the weather remains very cold, especially during the early morning hours.
climatic and geographical context
This drop in temperatures coincides with the typical December weather patterns in Saudi Arabia, where northern regions (such as Tabuk, Tarif, and Qurayyat) are affected by cold air masses from the north due to their geographical proximity to the temperate zone and their high altitude. These areas are generally considered the gateway for cold waves into the Arabian Peninsula.
Historically, at this time of year, these regions experience what is known as “Al-Murabba’aniyah” or the beginnings of astronomical winter, where nighttime temperatures sometimes drop below zero degrees Celsius, and frost forms, requiring residents to take extra precautions.
Safety recommendations and guidelines
Given this sharp drop in temperatures, experts and relevant authorities, including the Civil Defense, emphasize the need to follow public safety guidelines. Among the most important of these guidelines are:
- Wear heavy winter clothing, especially for children and the elderly, to avoid catching colds.
- Take care when using different heating methods, whether coal heaters or electric heaters, and ensure that places are well ventilated to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning accidents.
- Drive cautiously on highways in the early morning hours due to the possibility of fog or frost forming, which may affect horizontal visibility and tire grip on the road.
The National Center of Meteorology continues to monitor the weather situation and issue the necessary warnings, calling on everyone to follow the daily reports to learn about the latest weather developments and to avoid open areas during periods of extreme cold.
