The city of Tarif, in the Northern Borders region, recorded the lowest temperature today among all cities and governorates in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with temperatures dropping to around 3 degrees Celsius, according to the official report issued by the National Center for Meteorology. This significant drop reinforces Tarif's status as one of the coldest areas in the Kingdom during winter, prompting residents and visitors to take precautions and wear warm winter clothing.
Details of rainfall amounts in Mecca and other regions
Coinciding with the cold wave in the north, various regions across the Kingdom experienced thunderstorms with varying amounts of rainfall over the past 24 hours. The daily report from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture on rainfall monitoring revealed that the highest rainfall was recorded in Al-Quray' Bani Malik Center in Maysan Governorate, Makkah Region, at 13.4 mm. In contrast, Al-Uwaylah in Ranyah recorded 0.9 mm, while Ranyah and Haddad Bani Malik in Taif each recorded 0.6 mm. This bodes well for a good rainy season that will contribute to irrigating agricultural lands and supporting vegetation cover.
Tarif... the cold gateway to the north
The province of Tarif holds particular geographical and climatic significance, situated in the far northwest of the Kingdom on the border with Jordan. Historically, it is known for its continental climate, characterized by sharp drops in temperature during winter. The province has recorded record-breaking sub-zero temperatures in previous years, sometimes accompanied by snowfall. This elevated geographical location makes it one of the first points of entry for cold air masses originating from the Levant and Europe, directly impacting the weather patterns in northern Saudi Arabia.
Comprehensive monitoring of rainfall conditions in the Kingdom
The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture explained that monitoring operations included 37 strategically located hydrological and climatological monitoring stations, which recorded rainfall across wide areas including Riyadh, Qassim, the Eastern Province, Asir, Al-Baha, and Makkah. This rainfall is considered crucial for replenishing the Kingdom's groundwater reserves and is a positive indicator for the agricultural and pastoral season, particularly in rain-fed regions.
Public safety recommendations and warnings
Amid these fluctuating weather conditions, which combine extreme cold in the north with thunderstorms in the central, western, and eastern regions, experts and relevant authorities emphasize the importance of closely monitoring weather forecasts. Motorists traveling on highways in rainy areas are advised to exercise caution due to slippery conditions and water accumulation, while residents of northern regions are advised to secure adequate heating to mitigate the risk of frost during the night and early morning hours.
