A cold wave hits Saudi Arabia: sub-zero temperatures and urgent warnings

The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an urgent and comprehensive warning, alerting large parts of the Kingdom to a cold polar air mass, known locally and climatologically as the "Azraq" wave. This severe weather condition will begin tomorrow, Saturday, and its direct effects will continue until next Tuesday, with expectations of a sharp drop in temperatures that may reach or fall below freezing in some areas.

Weather details and affected areas

According to official weather reports, a polar air mass will extend its influence over a wide geographical area, including Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders, Tabuk, Hail, Al-Qassim, and Riyadh, and will later cover the northern parts of the Eastern Province. Precise forecasts indicate that temperatures will reach critically low levels, ranging between 2 degrees Celsius above zero and 2 degrees below zero, particularly during the night and early morning hours.

Sea disturbances and strong winds

The warnings were not limited to the drop in temperature; they also included alerts regarding surface wind activity that could stir up dust and sand, particularly on Sunday and Monday, with the effects concentrated on the coastal areas of Tabuk, Medina, and Mecca. The meteorological department also warned of rough sea conditions and waves reaching up to two and a half meters, posing a risk to navigation and fishing.

What is the "Blue Wave"?

This cold wave holds special significance in Saudi Arabian folklore and climatology, as the days of "Al-Aziraq" are known as the coldest days of the year. They are named for the extreme cold, during which bodies turn blue, and they typically coincide with the peak of the winter solstice, when the nights are longest and the days shortest. This cold wave is a natural part of the Arabian Peninsula's climatic cycle, as cold air masses from higher latitudes push towards the region.

The end of the forty-day period and the arrival of February

In a related context, weather expert Dr. Khaled Al-Zaaq explained that the Kingdom is currently experiencing the final days of the "Al-Murabba'aniyah" season, specifically the fourth day of the third star. The regions are preparing to welcome the "Shubat" season in about ten days, a season known for its volatile weather and strong winds, which our ancestors described as "the rattle of doors" and "the breaker of ropes," indicating their strength and ability to affect buildings and tents.

Safety recommendations and guidelines

Given these weather conditions, citizens and residents are advised to follow public safety guidelines, which include:

• Wearing heavy winter clothing, especially for children and the elderly.
• Take care when using heating appliances (coal or electric heaters) and provide adequate ventilation to avoid suffocation accidents or fires.
• Drive cautiously on highways and open roads due to the possibility of reduced horizontal visibility caused by dust and sandstorms.
• Avoid going to sea in the aforementioned coastal areas until the weather conditions stabilize.