Cold wave and frost in Saudi Arabia: Warnings issued for 3 regions

The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an important and urgent warning regarding the expected weather conditions during the coming hours, warning that large parts of the northern regions of the Kingdom will be affected by a strong cold wave that may lead to frost formation and a noticeable drop in temperatures.

The center explained in its report that the weather conditions will begin at 1:00 AM and continue until 8:00 AM on Tuesday, with temperatures expected to drop between 0°C and 3°C, which calls for caution and vigilance on the part of residents and highway users in those areas.

Areas affected by the cold wave

The National Center for Meteorology has identified three main regions that will be affected by this cold wave, namely:

• Tabuk region: The situation includes in particular the highlands of Jabal Al-Lawz and the Al-Aqan center, two regions known for receiving the most severe cold waves and occasional snowfall during the winter season.
• Northern Borders Region: The situation is concentrated in Hazm Al-Jalamid and Tarif Governorate, which usually records the lowest temperatures in the Kingdom during the winter seasons.
• Al-Jawf region: This includes Al-Qurayyat and Tabarjal, where frost is expected to form in the early morning hours.

Climatic context and the nature of northern winter

This cold wave is typical of the winter climate in the northern regions of Saudi Arabia. Geographically, these areas are the northern gateway to the Arabian Peninsula and are the first to receive cold, polar air masses coming from the Levant and Europe. Historically, these regions experience sharp drops in temperature during January and February, sometimes falling below freezing, making frost (dew freezing) a common occurrence that requires special preparations.

The Tabuk highlands, such as Jabal Al-Lawz, are gaining widespread fame not only locally but regionally, as they become a tourist destination for lovers of winter weather and snow during peak winter times. However, current warnings focus on the danger of extreme cold and frost that may affect visibility and the safety of travel.

Expected effects and safety recommendations

These cold waves have multiple effects that extend beyond simply feeling cold. On the agricultural front, frost poses a threat to crops in the Al-Jawf and Tabuk regions, which are vital food baskets for the Kingdom, requiring farmers to take measures to protect their crops. In terms of public safety, the drop in temperatures and the formation of frost on roads increase the risk of vehicles skidding, especially in the early morning hours.

Experts and relevant authorities advise citizens and residents in these areas to wear heavy winter clothing and secure safe heating methods to avoid suffocation accidents or house fires that may increase in such weather, in addition to driving very carefully and leaving safe distances between vehicles.