The National Center for Meteorology issued an urgent alert regarding the expected weather conditions, warning of a severe cold wave and frost control over large parts of the northern and northwestern regions of the Kingdom, coinciding with weather fluctuations affecting the Eastern Region.
Details of the cold wave and frost
The weather report indicated that temperatures would drop significantly, ranging from 0°C to -3°C, leading to frost formation during the early morning hours. This weather pattern will begin at 1:00 AM and continue until 8:00 AM on Friday, affecting the following areas:
- Al-Jawf region: Al-Qurayyat, Dumat Al-Jandal, Sakaka, and Tabarjal.
- Northern Border Region: Al-Uwaiqilah, Rafha, Tarif, and Arar.
- Tabuk region: Tayma, Jabal Al-Lawz, Tabuk, and Al-Aqan.
- Hail region: Al-Hait, Al-Sulaimi, Al-Shamli, Al-Shanan, Al-Ghazala, Baqaa, Hail, Samira, and Muwaqq.
Weather fluctuations in the Eastern region
In a related development, the center warned of strong surface winds and dust storms in the Eastern Province, beginning at 9:00 AM and continuing until 6:00 PM. The effects will include reduced horizontal visibility of 3-5 kilometers and increased wave height, particularly in coastal areas.
The areas affected by the dust include Al-Ahsa, Al-Udayd, Abqaiq, Al-Khafji, Al-Nu'ayriyah, and Qaryat Al-Ulya. Meanwhile, the cities of Jubail, Al-Khobar, Dammam, Qatif, and Ras Tanura are experiencing active winds reaching speeds of 40-49 km/h.
climatic context and the impact of air masses
This cold wave is part of the typical winter weather patterns in the northern regions of Saudi Arabia. These areas are usually affected by the advance of cold polar air masses from the north, which often coincide with the activity of the Siberian High, leading to a sharp drop in temperatures, especially in open areas and mountainous regions such as the Al-Lawz Mountains in Tabuk.
This weather condition is of particular importance due to its direct impact on daily life, as the sharp drop in temperatures necessitates taking extra precautions regarding heating and protecting crops from frost that could damage plants.
Safety recommendations and guidelines
Due to these weather conditions, experts and relevant authorities advise citizens and residents in the affected areas to exercise caution and wear heavy winter clothing, especially children and the elderly. Drivers in the Eastern Province are also urged to drive carefully due to reduced visibility caused by dust and to avoid high speeds.
Hikers and visitors to the wilderness areas in the north are also advised to take precautions when using traditional (coal and firewood) or electric heating methods indoors, to ensure public safety and avoid suffocation or fire incidents.
