Today's weather is charming: low clouds and a delightful winter atmosphere
The city of Tarif in the Northern Borders region witnessed a captivating natural spectacle today, as dense, low-lying clouds painted beautiful picturesque scenes across the sky, coinciding with the region's characteristic cold weather at this time of year. The interplay of the clouds with the surrounding terrain created a visual phenomenon that captivated residents and visitors alike, transforming the harsh winter conditions into an artistic tableau showcasing the beauty of the desert landscape when adorned in its winter attire.
Interesting... the geography of extreme cold
This scene is not unusual for the province of Tarif, which sits at an altitude that makes it one of the coldest cities in Saudi Arabia. Located in the far north, Tarif is directly affected by polar air masses coming from Siberia and Eastern Europe. This strategic geographical location has historically led to it recording the lowest temperatures in the Arabian Peninsula. Climate records indicate that the province has previously recorded record low temperatures that dropped below zero degrees Celsius in past winters, earning it the nickname "Capital of Cold" among locals.
The impact of weather on daily life and tourism
These wintry conditions, with their low clouds and fog, positively impact winter tourism in the region. Photographers and camping enthusiasts find this weather an ideal opportunity to capture unique moments, as the fog embraces buildings and desert vegetation, forming a layer of frost that glistens with the first rays of sunlight. Despite the beauty of the scene, it necessitates caution when traveling, as authorities consistently advise drivers to exercise extreme care due to reduced visibility caused by the dense, low-lying clouds.
Weather warnings and continuous monitoring
In a related context, the National Center for Meteorology had classified Tarif Governorate as one of the coldest regions in the Kingdom, noting in its periodic reports the continued possibility of fog and frost formation during the early morning hours. Meteorological data confirms that Tarif's climate is characterized by severe cold waves, requiring residents and visitors to wear heavy winter clothing and follow public safety guidelines, especially in open areas and on highways connecting the governorate to other cities in the northern region and neighboring countries.
