Lowest temperature in Saudi Arabia: Al Qurayyat records 2 degrees Celsius
Al-Qurayyat Governorate recorded the lowest temperatures on Tuesday, according to official data from the National Center for Meteorology. This cold wave is part of the winter weather conditions affecting various regions of the Kingdom, with temperatures dropping significantly, particularly in the northern regions and southern highlands.
Details of recorded temperatures in the cities of the Kingdom
The National Center for Meteorology's report indicated that Al-Qurayyat recorded only 2 degrees Celsius, making it the coldest area, while temperatures were similar in the rest of the northern regions and some highland areas. The complete ranking of the cities that recorded the lowest temperatures is as follows:
- Al Qurayyat: 2 degrees Celsius.
- Tabuk: 3 degrees Celsius.
- Tarif: 3 degrees Celsius.
- Abha: 4 degrees Celsius.
- 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 cold waves
The northern regions of Saudi Arabia, such as Qurayyat, Tarif, and Arar, are the primary gateway for cold air masses arriving from the north and the Arctic via the Levant. Historically, these areas experience sharp drops in temperature during winter, sometimes falling below freezing, occasionally leading to frost or light snowfall.
On the other hand, the lower temperatures in cities such as Abha, Khamis Mushait and Taif are due to the mountainous geographical nature of these areas, where the altitude above sea level contributes to lowering temperatures naturally, even if they are located in southern latitudes compared to northern cities.
Weather warnings and safety guidelines
This drop in temperatures coincided with warnings issued by the National Center of Meteorology regarding strong surface winds and dust storms, which could lead to near-zero horizontal visibility in some areas. Authorities consistently emphasize the need for caution in such weather conditions.
Experts advise citizens and residents to follow public safety guidelines, which include wearing heavy winter clothing, especially for children and the elderly, and handling traditional heating methods (such as coal and firewood) with caution to avoid suffocation accidents or fires in enclosed spaces, in addition to driving carefully on highways that may experience reduced visibility due to dust storms accompanying low-pressure systems.
