A cold wave hits Saudi Arabia: sub-zero temperatures and weather warnings issued
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia has issued urgent and strongly worded warnings regarding the expected weather conditions in the coming days, as the Kingdom's atmosphere is affected by a severe polar air mass, known locally and popularly as the "Azraq" wave. This harsh weather is expected to begin tomorrow, Saturday, and its direct effects will continue until next Tuesday, bringing with it a sharp drop in temperatures that may reach and fall below freezing in several regions.
Weather details and affected areas
According to weather forecasts, a cold air mass will sweep across a wide geographical area of the Kingdom, including Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders, Tabuk, Hail, Al-Qassim, and Riyadh, extending to the northern parts of the Eastern Province. Accurate forecasts indicate that temperatures will register critical readings ranging between 2 degrees Celsius above zero and 2 degrees below zero, especially during the night and early morning hours, necessitating the utmost caution.
Climate context: What is a "blue wave"?
This cold wave is occurring within a normal and typical climatic context for this time of year, entering the Kingdom at the beginning of January during a period known in popular and climatological tradition as "Al-Aziraq." This period is considered one of the harshest and coldest periods of winter, named for the bluish discoloration of bodies and extremities due to the extreme cold. Astronomically, this period coincides with the winter solstice, when the nights are longest and the days shortest, and the sun is directly overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn. This reduces the amount of solar radiation reaching the Northern Hemisphere, allowing Siberian and polar air masses to penetrate southward.
Sea disturbances and strong winds
The weather warnings weren't limited to temperature fluctuations; they also included a significant increase in surface wind activity, stirring up dust and sand, particularly on Sunday and Monday. The impact of these winds will be concentrated on the coastal areas of Tabuk, Medina, and Mecca. The warnings also highlighted severe sea conditions in the Red Sea, with waves potentially reaching heights of up to 2.5 meters, posing a serious threat to maritime navigation and fishing activities. The authorities urged everyone to stay away from the beaches during this period.
The end of the forty-day period and the approach of the February season
In a related context, regarding the astronomical and popular calendar, weather expert Dr. Khaled Al-Zaaq explained that the Kingdom is currently experiencing the final days of the "Al-Murabba'aniyah" season, which lasts forty days, specifically the fourth day of the third and final star. This period is characterized by clear skies, which contribute to the loss of heat at night and intensify the cold.
Saudi Arabia is preparing to welcome the February season in about ten days. This season follows the forty-day period known as Al-Murabba'aniyah and is characterized by its sharp weather fluctuations. The Arabs of old used to describe it with vivid terms like "the rattle of doors" and "the breaker of tent ropes," metaphorically referring to the strong, cold, and unstable winds that characterize this season. These winds are capable of forcefully knocking on doors and breaking tent ropes, reflecting the dynamic and volatile nature of the Arabian Peninsula's climate at the end of winter.
The relevant authorities urge all citizens, residents, and highway users to follow current weather reports, adhere to civil defense instructions, prepare safe heating methods, and exercise caution while driving in open areas that may experience a decrease in horizontal visibility.
