Cold wave hits Saudi Arabia: Temperatures to reach -1°C tomorrow

The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued urgent warnings about the expected weather conditions in the coming hours, as the official spokesman for the center, Hussein Al-Qahtani, revealed that the Kingdom’s atmosphere will be affected by a cold air mass that will lead to a noticeable and sharp drop in temperatures, with its actual impact beginning tomorrow.

Details of the areas affected by the cold wave

In the detailed climate report, Al-Qahtani explained that the cold wave will be most severe in the northern and northwestern regions of the Kingdom. Digital forecasts indicate that minimum temperatures will range from 3 degrees Celsius to -1 degree Celsius (-1°C) in the regions of Tabuk, Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders, Hail, and the northern parts of the Madinah region . These areas are typically considered gateways for polar waves affecting the Arabian Peninsula due to their geographical location.

The impact extends to Riyadh and the Eastern Province

The warning wasn't limited to the northern regions; the official spokesperson indicated that the cold air mass would extend its impact to the central and eastern parts of the Kingdom. The Qassim , along with the northern parts of the Riyadh and Eastern , is expected to experience a drop in temperatures, with lows ranging between 4 degrees Celsius and 1 degree Celsius. This decrease coincides with the start of the actual winter season in the Kingdom, characterized by active, cold northerly winds that exacerbate the feeling of cold.

Safety guidelines and how to deal with frost

Given these weather conditions, the National Center of Meteorology and Civil Defense authorities have stressed the need for caution. These warnings are of paramount importance to avoid the dangers associated with cold waves, most notably:

• Heating methods: It is necessary to handle traditional (coal and firewood) and electric heating methods with care, and to ensure that places are well ventilated to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning accidents.
• Frost formation: There is a possibility of frost forming in the early morning hours on highways and agricultural areas, which calls for drivers and farmers to pay attention to protect their crops.
• Winter clothing: Make sure to wear heavy winter clothing, especially for children and the elderly, when going out late at night or early in the morning.

This wave comes as part of the climatic features of winter in the Kingdom, where the country is usually affected by Siberian high-pressure systems that push cold and dry winds towards the south, leading to temperatures dropping to record lows at times, which requires continuous monitoring of official weather bulletins.