Saudi Arabia weather: Temperatures drop in Tarif and Al Qurayyat, and dust covers several areas
Northern Saudi Arabia experienced a significant drop in temperatures, with the governorates of Tarif and Qurayyat recording the lowest temperatures, reaching a low of 5 degrees Celsius early Thursday morning. Sakaka also experienced a low of 5 degrees Celsius, while Al-Ahsa and Arar recorded 6 degrees Celsius, indicating the deepening of the cold air mass over the northern and eastern regions of the Kingdom.
Weather conditions and active winds details
In a related development, the National Center of Meteorology's report indicates that the weather conditions are not limited to a drop in temperatures, but also include increased surface wind activity. The center anticipates the continued impact of these active winds, which stir up dust and sand—a common weather phenomenon during this transitional period of the year, where differences in atmospheric pressure lead to wind speeds that affect horizontal visibility.
The areas affected by these dust storms include large parts of the Riyadh region, the Northern Borders region, Al-Jawf, and Tabuk, as well as the eastern parts of the Makkah and Madinah regions. Weather experts consistently warn drivers on highways and open roads of reduced visibility in such conditions, urging them to exercise caution.
The geographical and climatic context of the northern regions
Cities like Tarif and Qurayyat hold particular climatic importance during the Kingdom's winters, as these areas serve as the northern gateway for cold waves originating from Europe and the Levant. Historically, Tarif has often recorded the lowest temperatures in the Kingdom, sometimes dropping below freezing during harsh winters. A temperature of 5 degrees Celsius can foreshadow further cold spells that may intensify later. This geographical location makes the inhabitants of these areas more prepared and adaptable to the cold weather compared to other regions of the Kingdom.
Fog formation chances and safety alerts
In addition to the cold and dust, the weather report indicated the possibility of fog formation during the night and early morning hours. This forecast is concentrated in parts of the Tabuk region and the southern parts of the Eastern Province. Fog is a weather phenomenon that requires extra caution, especially in coastal or agricultural areas where humidity levels are high.
During these conditions, especially with the stirring up of dust, public health specialists advise that respiratory and asthma patients should wear masks when going out, and follow the current weather bulletins issued by the National Center for Meteorology to avoid areas that are experiencing high dust density or lack of visibility.
