Temperatures drop in Saudi Arabia: Hail 4°C and Riyadh 7°C
early Thursday morning, March 5th, temperature reaching 4 degrees Celsius, a clear indication of the continued cold winter weather affecting the northern and central regions of the country. This drop is part of a severe cold wave that has prompted authorities to advise residents to take necessary precautions to cope with the cold weather.
climatic context and history of cold waves in the North
The northern regions of Saudi Arabia, such as Hail, the Northern Borders, and Al-Jawf, possess a unique geographical characteristic that makes them more susceptible to lower temperatures compared to other areas. Historically, these regions have served as the primary gateway for cold air masses originating from Siberia or the eastern Mediterranean, passing through the Levant. March often experiences sharp weather fluctuations, known locally as a transitional period between winter and spring, where warm days can be followed by sudden cold spells. This explains the significant drop in temperatures observed today by the National Center for Meteorology.
Expected effects of temperature fluctuations
is not limited in temperatures to the feeling of cold; it extends to several vital aspects of life. Locally, this weather necessitates that citizens and residents return to wearing heavy winter clothing and exercise caution while driving in the early morning hours due to the possibility of fog or frost. Economically and agriculturally, these cold waves pose a challenge for farmers in regions such as Qassim and Hail, where frost may affect winter crops or those in their early growth stages, requiring preventative measures to protect the crops.
Weather monitoring details in Saudi cities
Returning to the recorded figures, the data reflected a noticeable drop in temperatures in several cities. Besides Hail, the cities of Tarif and Buraidah recorded only 5 degrees Celsius. The National Center for Meteorology explained in its report that this decrease extended to other areas, with climate indicators recording 6 degrees Celsius in both Arar and Qurayyat.
The capital, Riyadh, was not spared from this heatwave, as it extended to Rafha and Qaisumah, all recording a low of 7 degrees Celsius this morning. These climatic changes, with temperatures approaching zero degrees Celsius in some areas, necessitate that millions of residents take weather warnings seriously to ensure public safety and health during this period.
