Saudi Arabia weather: Tarif records 1 degree Celsius, snow expected in Riyadh
The city of Tarif, located in the Northern Borders region of Saudi Arabia, recorded the lowest temperature among all Saudi cities and provinces today, with readings reaching just 1 degree Celsius, according to the official report issued by the National Center for Meteorology. This significant drop marks the true beginning of a winter season that appears set to be exceptional this year in terms of both timing and severity.
Weather details and forecasts
In a related context, the official spokesperson for the National Center for Meteorology, Hussein Al-Qahtani, confirmed that the Kingdom has entered an early and unusual winter season compared to previous years. Al-Qahtani explained that weather maps indicate an expansion of the snowfall probability beyond the usual range in northern regions (such as Tabuk, Tarif, and Arar), extending unprecedentedly to the Qassim region and the northern parts of the Riyadh region.
Weather forecasts indicate a sharp and noticeable drop in temperatures in the coming days, as they may reach two degrees below zero Celsius in some locations, which calls on citizens and residents to prepare for extremely cold weather and take all necessary precautions.
Tarif... the gateway to winter and polar climate
The city of Tarif holds special geographical and climatic importance in Saudi Arabia, historically known as the "gateway to winter" for the Kingdom. Due to its location in the far north and its high altitude, it serves as the primary passage for cold, polar air masses originating from the Levant and Europe. This is not the first time Tarif has experienced such low temperatures; in previous years, the city has recorded record lows well below freezing, making it one of the coldest cities in the Arabian Peninsula during winter.
Effects of the cold wave and preparations
This early climate change carries significant implications for local preparedness. The arrival of snow and frost in central regions of the Kingdom, such as Qassim and northern Riyadh, is a weather event that warrants caution, particularly regarding the safety of highways, which may be affected by fog or frost in the early morning hours. This weather also impacts daily life, with an earlier-than-usual demand for heating and heavy winter clothing.
Weather experts and relevant authorities are calling on everyone to follow the daily reports and early warnings issued by the National Center for Meteorology, to ensure public safety and avoid open areas during periods of extreme cold and expected snowfall.
