The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia announced details of the minimum temperatures recorded Thursday night and Friday morning, with several regions experiencing a noticeable drop in temperatures, indicating a deepening of winter weather across the Kingdom. The city of Dammam recorded a low of 9 degrees Celsius, a level that warrants taking necessary precautions against catching a cold, especially during the late night and early morning hours.
Climatic variation and geographical diversity
The recorded data reveals a significant temperature variation reflecting the geographical and climatic diversity of Saudi Arabia. While the western and southern coastal regions enjoy relatively mild weather, with Jazan recording 23°C and Jeddah 18°C, the northern and central regions experience cold to very cold winter conditions. This variation is attributed to the northern regions being affected by cold air masses from the north, in addition to the desert environment which contributes to rapid heat loss at night.
Northern regions: Frost is knocking on the doors
As is typical for winter in Saudi Arabia, the northern cities topped the list of the coldest regions. The city of Tarif recorded a temperature of zero degrees Celsius, making it one of the areas most likely to experience frost, followed by Tabuk and Qurayyat with very low temperatures (1 and 2 degrees Celsius, respectively). This sharp drop in temperature requires residents of these areas, and farmers in particular, to take preventative measures to protect crops and livestock from the severe cold.
List of minimum temperatures in the cities of the Kingdom
The following is a detailed statement of the minimum temperatures recorded by the National Center for Meteorology:
- Eastern and Central Region: Dammam and Riyadh (9 degrees), Al-Ahsa and Al-Kharj (10 degrees), while Hafr Al-Batin and Al-Dawadmi recorded (7 degrees).
- Northern regions: Tarif (0 degrees Celsius), Tabuk (1 degree Celsius), Arar and Al Qurayyat (2 degrees Celsius), Sakaka (3 degrees), and Rafha and Hail (4 degrees).
- Highlands and resorts: Abha and Al-Ula (7 degrees), Al-Baha (8 degrees), Taif (9 degrees), and Al-Soudah (3 degrees).
- Coastal and western regions: Jeddah (18 degrees), Yanbu and Al Wajh (12 degrees), Al Qunfudhah (22 degrees), and Makkah (17 degrees).
- South: Jazan (23 degrees), Najran (10 degrees), and Sharurah (13 degrees).
Important recommendations for public safety
Given these weather fluctuations, weather experts recommend regularly checking official weather forecasts. They also advise wearing heavy winter clothing in central, northern, and eastern regions, and exercising caution while driving early in the morning due to the possibility of fog formation that may accompany the drop in temperature and the rise in humidity, leading to reduced horizontal visibility.
