Lowest temperatures in Saudi Arabia: Sakaka records 3 degrees Celsius and a list of the coldest cities
Several regions in Saudi Arabia witnessed a noticeable drop in temperatures on Monday morning, as data issued by the National Meteorological Center revealed that the city of Sakaka recorded the lowest temperature in the Kingdom, which reached only 3 degrees Celsius, making it the coldest city for the day.
List of the least hot cities in the Kingdom
According to the official report, minimum temperatures varied across different regions, and the cities that recorded the lowest temperatures were ranked as follows:
- Sakaka: 3 degrees Celsius.
- Tabuk: 4 degrees Celsius.
- Hail: 5 degrees Celsius.
- Al-Qassim: 6 degrees Celsius.
- Tarif: 7 degrees Celsius.
- Taif: 7 degrees Celsius.
- Rafha: 7 degrees Celsius.
- Khamis Mushait: 7 degrees Celsius.
- Dawadmi: 7 degrees Celsius.
- Abha: 7 degrees Celsius.
The geographical and climatic context of the cold wave
This drop in temperatures is consistent with the Kingdom's geographical and climatic characteristics during winter. Northern regions such as Al-Jawf (where Sakaka is located), the Northern Borders, and Tabuk are the first gateways for cold air masses arriving from higher latitudes and the northern hemisphere. This geographical location makes them prone to recording very low temperatures compared to other regions, often approaching or falling below freezing at the peak of the season.
On the other hand, we note the presence of southern cities such as Abha, Khamis Mushait and Taif on the list. The reason here is due to the topography and altitude above sea level, as these cities are located on the peaks of the Sarawat Mountains. It is scientifically known that temperatures decrease as altitude increases, which explains the cold weather in them despite their southern location.
Weather conditions and safety alerts
This cold wave coincides with other weather fluctuations indicated by the National Center of Meteorology, including surface wind activity and dust storms in some areas, which may reduce horizontal visibility. These weather conditions necessitate that citizens and residents take important precautionary measures.
On the health front, experts advise wearing heavy winter clothing, especially for children and the elderly, to avoid catching colds. The General Directorate of Civil Defense also consistently emphasizes the need for caution when using various heating methods, whether coal and wood stoves or electric heaters, and the importance of ensuring adequate ventilation to prevent suffocation or fires, which become more frequent as the cold intensifies.
Following official weather bulletins and early warnings (such as red and orange alerts) is vital for planning travel and movement between cities, especially given the possibility of fog or dust storms accompanying these weather depressions.
