A cold wave hits the northern border: sub-zero temperatures and important warnings

The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued the Northern Borders region by a cold air mass that will lead to a significant and sharp drop in temperatures.

The report issued by the center explained that this cold wave will begin to have an actual impact on next Wednesday and Thursday, as weather maps and numerical models indicate that minimum temperatures will range between 3 degrees Celsius and reach one degree Celsius below zero (-1°C), which may lead to the formation of frost in the early morning hours and the freezing of water in open areas.

The nature of the climate in the northern borders during winter

This cold wave is typical for the Northern Borders region, which serves as the Kingdom's northern gateway to polar air masses. Cities in the region, such as Arar, Tarif, and Rafha, are characterized by a continental desert climate, making them susceptible to the influence of high-pressure systems from the north, particularly the Siberian High, which usually dominates the region's weather during winter.

Historically, the province of Tarif and other areas in the Northern Borders have recorded the lowest temperatures in the Arabian Peninsula over the past decades, as temperatures drop to record lows in the harsh winter seasons, making preparedness for such waves an essential part of the lifestyle of the region’s residents.

Important safety recommendations and guidelines

Due to the expected drop in temperatures, the National Center of Meteorology and relevant authorities have stressed the need for caution. These warnings are particularly important for maintaining public health and safety, and the following guidelines are advised:

• Wearing heavy winter clothing: especially for children and the elderly when going out in the early morning or late at night.
• Careful handling of heating appliances: Extreme caution should be taken when using coal or wood heaters indoors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning accidents, and the safety of electrical connections for electric heaters should be ensured.
• Safe driving: Pay attention while driving on highways in case of fog or frost, which may reduce tire traction with the road.

The center called on everyone to follow the daily reports and real-time alerts issued through its official platforms to ensure access to accurate and up-to-date information about the weather.