Northern regions of Saudi Arabia experienced a sharp drop in temperatures early Thursday morning, with the city of Tarif recording the lowest temperature, touching the freezing point at -1°C, indicating the arrival of a severe cold wave affecting the northern and central regions. Tabuk and Al Qurayyat recorded temperatures of 2°C, while the minimum temperature in Hail reached 3°C, in Arar 4°C, and in Sakaka 5°C.
The climatic and geographical context of the cold wave
These noticeable drops in temperature are part of the typical winter weather patterns in the Kingdom, particularly in the northern regions. Historically, Tarif is one of the coldest Saudi cities due to its high altitude and its location, which exposes it to polar air masses from the north of the Arabian Peninsula. These areas typically experience frost during January and February, sometimes accompanied by snowfall, making it essential for residents and visitors to stay informed about weather forecasts.
Weather forecast: Very cold weather and rain
The National Center for Meteorology explained in its weather report for today that the weather will be cold to very cold across wide areas, including Tabuk, Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders, and Hail, extending to the Eastern Province, Riyadh, and Al-Qassim. These conditions require caution, especially during the night and early morning hours when the coldest temperatures will be.
Regarding the accompanying weather phenomena, the center indicated the activity of surface winds that stir up dust and sand, which may lead to a decrease in horizontal visibility, especially in the southern parts of the Eastern Province and Riyadh. The effect of these winds extends to include the Najran region, and parts of Makkah, Madinah and Tabuk.
Chance of rain and fog
The report indicated that the sky will be partly to mostly cloudy, with a chance of scattered rain, possibly thundery at times, over parts of Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province. The center also warned of the possibility of dense fog forming, reducing visibility during the night and early morning hours in parts of these regions, as well as the Northern Borders, Al-Jawf, and Tabuk, urging caution while driving on highways.
Sea conditions and wave movement
In terms of maritime navigation, the Red Sea is experiencing westerly to northerly surface winds in its northern and central parts, reaching speeds of up to 45 km/h, and southeasterly to southerly winds in its southern part. Wave heights range from 1.5 to 2.5 meters in the north and central regions, resulting in moderate to rough sea conditions.
In the Arabian Gulf, northerly to northwesterly winds will be active at speeds that may reach 50 km/h with the formation of thunderclouds, raising the waves to two and a half meters, and the sea state will be turbulent during thunderstorms, which necessitates alerting fishermen and seafarers in those areas.
