The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia revealed its latest report on monitoring the minimum temperatures recorded in various regions and cities of the Kingdom on Thursday/Friday night, as the data showed a remarkable variation in the climatic conditions between the coastal, central, and northern regions, reflecting the geographical and climatic diversity that the country enjoys.
Temperature readings: Dammam 12°C, Tarif coldest
Dammam recorded 12 degrees Celsius, while the northern regions experienced a sharp drop in temperatures. The lowest temperature recorded was in Tarif at only 3 degrees Celsius, followed by Qurayyat at 4 degrees, indicating the arrival of cold winter weather in these areas. A detailed breakdown of the minimum temperatures recorded follows:
- Eastern and Central Region: Dammam (12), Riyadh (12), Al-Ahsa (9), Hafr Al-Batin (8), Al-Majma’ah (12), Al-Kharj (11), Al-Dawadmi (11).
- Northern regions (coldest): Tarif (3), Al Qurayyat (4), Arar (6), Sakaka (7), Rafha (8), Tabuk (11).
- Western and coastal region: Makkah (22), Jeddah (22), Madinah (15), Yanbu (17), Al Qunfudhah (23), Al Wajh (15).
- Southern regions and highlands: Abha (8), Al-Soudah (5), Al-Baha (9), Najran (11), Jazan (24), Bisha (13).
- Other regions: Hail (8), Taif (11), Al-Ula (12), Wadi Al-Dawasir (13), Sharurah (14).
Climatic context and topographical influence
These temperatures are within the normal range for Saudi Arabia's climate at this time of year. Northern regions (such as Tarif and Qurayyat) are affected by cold air masses from the north, consistently recording the lowest temperatures compared to other areas. In contrast, coastal regions like Jeddah, Jazan, and Al Qunfudhah maintain relatively warm, moderate temperatures due to the influence of the Red Sea and humidity, with temperatures ranging between 22 and 24 degrees Celsius.
The importance of following weather reports
These daily reports issued by the National Center for Meteorology are of paramount importance to citizens and residents, as they help in taking the necessary precautions to cope with cold waves, especially in areas experiencing very low temperatures (below 10 degrees Celsius). Experts consistently advise wearing appropriate winter clothing in cold regions and exercising caution while driving in the early morning hours, as fog may form in some open and elevated areas such as As-Soudah and Abha.
This data also plays a vital role in supporting various sectors such as agriculture, where farmers in the northern and central regions need to know the minimum temperatures to protect their crops from possible frost, in addition to the education and health sectors to ensure everyone’s safety during the winter season.
