Al-Qurayyat records 2 degrees Celsius... List of the coldest Saudi cities today

Al-Qurayyat Governorate experienced the coldest weather in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, recording the lowest temperatures compared to other cities and governorates across the Kingdom. According to official data from the National Center for Meteorology, temperatures in Al-Qurayyat dropped to around 2 degrees Celsius, reflecting the peak of the cold wave affecting the northern regions of the country.

List of the least hot cities in the Kingdom

Automatic temperature monitoring reports showed significant variations between regions, with northern areas leading the way as usual for this time of year. The following is the official ranking of cities that recorded the lowest minimum temperatures:

• Al Qurayyat: 2 degrees Celsius.
• Tabuk: 3 degrees Celsius.
• Tarif: 3 degrees Celsius.
• Abha: 4 degrees Celsius (affected by altitude above sea level).
• Rafha: 4 degrees Celsius.
• Arar: 4 degrees Celsius.
• Sakaka: 4 degrees Celsius.
• Hail: 4 degrees Celsius.
• Hafar Al-Batin: 4 degrees Celsius.
• Taif: 5 degrees Celsius.
• Riyadh: 6 degrees Celsius.
• Khamis Mushait: 6 degrees Celsius.

The geographical and climatic context of the cold wave

These figures take on particular significance when considering the geographical location of Al-Qurayyat and Tarif governorates, situated in the far north of Saudi Arabia along the Jordanian border. Historically, these areas have been considered the "gateway to winter" for the Kingdom, being the first to receive polar air masses arriving from Siberia or Eastern Europe. Al-Qurayyat's recording of 2 degrees Celsius is not an isolated event, but rather part of a typical climatic pattern known for its extreme cold, which can sometimes drop below zero degrees Celsius and bring snowfall, making it a popular destination for winter weather enthusiasts and photographers.

The role of the National Center for Meteorology and Early Warning

This announcement of temperatures coincides with ongoing warnings from the National Center of Meteorology, which utilizes an early warning system to alert citizens and residents. The data accompanying this report indicates warnings regarding strong winds and dust storms that may accompany these temperature drops, leading to reduced horizontal visibility. These reports play a vital role in maintaining public safety, especially for those traveling on highways connecting the northern and central regions.

Expected effects on daily life

These sharp drops in temperature directly impact daily life in the Kingdom. Socially, there is an increased demand for various heating methods and heavy winter clothing, and commercial activity in winter supply markets is booming. From a health perspective, authorities consistently urge caution during these cold spells to avoid winter illnesses and colds, especially among children and the elderly. Farmers in regions like Al-Jawf and Tabuk pay particular attention to these weather forecasts, taking preventative measures to protect their crops from the risk of frost that can form in the early morning hours when temperatures reach these low levels.