Tarif records sub-zero temperatures: Lowest temperature in Saudi Arabia today
Tarif recorded a sharp drop in temperatures today, reaching one degree Celsius below zero , thus topping the list of Saudi cities and governorates as having the lowest recorded temperature for today, according to the report issued by the National Center for Meteorology.
Weather details in the northern border region
The National Center for Meteorology explained in its daily report that the region is experiencing a strong cold wave, the effects of which are not limited to a drop in temperatures, but also include increased surface wind activity that may stir up dust and sand in open areas, thus reducing horizontal visibility. This wave is part of the usual weather fluctuations for this time of year, as the northern regions of the Kingdom are affected by cold air masses coming from the north.
Tarif... the cold capital of Saudi Arabia
This drop in temperature is not surprising to residents of Tarif province or those who follow weather patterns in the Kingdom. The province is situated at a high altitude and has a geographical feature that makes it a corridor for cold northerly winds. Historically, Tarif has a rich climatic record, having previously recorded some of the lowest temperatures in the history of Saudi Arabian climate records, reaching below -10 degrees Celsius in previous years, which has led it to be often described as the "Freezer of the Kingdom" or the "Cold Capital of Saudi Arabia.".
Expected effects and necessary precautions
This cold weather is impacting daily life in the region, leading to increased reliance on various heating methods. In this context, Civil Defense and other relevant authorities are reiterating their periodic warnings about the need for caution when using heating appliances, whether coal or electric heaters, to ensure proper ventilation and prevent accidents such as suffocation or fires.
Weather experts also advise residents of the region and highway users in the northern border areas to wear heavy winter clothing and to exercise caution while driving in the early morning hours due to the possibility of frost or fog that may accompany the drop in temperatures, which affects tire grip and visibility.
Winter climate in the north of the Kingdom
The northern regions of the Kingdom (Northern Borders, Al-Jawf, and Tabuk) are the primary gateway for polar air masses affecting the Arabian Peninsula. Winters in these areas are particularly harsh compared to the rest of the Kingdom, with frequent snowfall and frost (ice) occurring at intervals throughout the season. This makes monitoring weather forecasts essential for citizens and residents to plan their daily activities accordingly.
