Zero degrees Celsius hits northern Saudi Arabia, warnings issued for Riyadh and the Eastern Province

Northern regions of Saudi Arabia experienced a sharp drop in temperatures with the arrival of a new cold wave. The cities of Arar, Qurayyat, and Tarif recorded their lowest temperatures, reaching near freezing (0°C) early Sunday morning, January 4th. This significant decrease is part of the weather system affecting the Kingdom. Rafha recorded a low of 3°C, while Sakaka saw a low of 4°C, prompting residents and travelers on highways to take precautions.

Weather forecast: Strong winds and dense fog

In its daily report, the National Center for Meteorology explained that the impact of the cold air mass is not limited to the north but extends to a wide area. The drop in temperatures is expected to continue, accompanied by active winds that will stir up dust and sand, directly affecting the Tabuk, Al-Jawf, and Northern Borders regions. These effects will also extend to parts of the Hail, Qassim, and Riyadh regions, reaching as far as the Eastern Province. The center warned of reduced horizontal visibility due to the possibility of dense fog forming in the early morning hours, in addition to the chance of frost that may cover areas of northern Saudi Arabia.

Climate context: gateway to polar waves

The northern regions of the Kingdom (such as Tarif, Qurayyat, and Arar) serve as the first gateway for cold air masses originating from Siberia or Eastern Europe, passing through the Levant. These areas are characterized by a continental desert climate that causes them to lose heat rapidly at night, explaining why they record the lowest temperatures in the Arabian Peninsula during winter. January typically sees the peak of the cold, a period that requires special preparations from relevant authorities and citizens to mitigate the effects of frost, which can impact crops and grazing.

Sea conditions and navigational warnings

Regarding maritime navigation, the report indicated rough sea conditions, with northeasterly to northerly surface winds along the Red Sea coast shifting to northwesterly in the evening, reaching speeds of up to 45 km/h in the northern and central parts. In the southern part, towards the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, wind speeds could reach 50 km/h, causing waves to rise to over two meters and creating rough sea conditions.

In the Arabian Gulf, the situation is not much different, with active northwesterly winds ranging in speed from 25 to 50 km/h, causing waves to reach heights of up to two and a half meters. These weather conditions urge fishermen and other seafarers to exercise caution and avoid sailing in areas experiencing dangerously high waves to ensure their safety.