Lowest temperatures in Saudi Arabia: Al-Qurayyat and Rafha record 2 degrees Celsius
Several regions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia witnessed a noticeable drop in temperatures as the winter season reached its peak. The National Center for Meteorology revealed that very low temperatures, reaching zero degrees Celsius in some northern governorates, reflect the diverse climatic nature that characterizes the Kingdom during this time of year.
Al-Qurayyat and Rafha are among the coldest regions
According to official data released by the National Center for Meteorology on Tuesday, the governorates of Qurayyat and Rafha the list of the coldest Saudi cities, each recording 2 degrees Celsius . This drop is part of a typical cold wave affecting the northern regions at this time of year.
The list of the lowest temperatures recorded in the cities and governorates of the Kingdom is as follows:
- Al Qurayyat: 2 degrees Celsius.
- Rafha: 2 degrees Celsius.
- Hafar Al-Batin: 3 degrees Celsius.
- Arar: 4 degrees Celsius.
- Sakaka: 4 degrees Celsius.
- Tarif: 4 degrees Celsius.
- Riyadh: 5 degrees Celsius.
- Abha: 5 degrees Celsius.
- Buraidah: 5 degrees Celsius.
- Hail: 5 degrees Celsius.
Fog and reduced visibility warnings in the Eastern Province
Coinciding with the drop in temperatures, the National Center of Meteorology issued an important alert for residents of the Eastern Province, specifically in Al Udayd Governorate, regarding the formation of dense fog. The report indicated that the weather conditions would begin at 1:00 AM and continue until 8:00 AM on Wednesday.
The effects associated with this condition include a near-zero horizontal visibility, where visibility ranges between (1-3) kilometers, which calls for caution and vigilance while driving on highways and open roads at those times.
Climate context: Why is the temperature dropping in the north of the Kingdom?
The northern regions of Saudi Arabia (such as the Northern Borders, Al-Jawf, and Tabuk) are the primary gateway for cold air masses originating from Siberia and Eastern Europe. These regions are characterized by their open desert landscape and relatively high elevation in some areas, making them susceptible to temperatures that can sometimes drop below freezing and lead to frost. This explains why Qurayyat, Rafha, and Tarif consistently rank among the coldest areas annually.
The importance of preparing for cold waves
This drop in temperatures has a direct impact on daily life, as the need for heating increases. In this context, relevant authorities, such as the Civil Defense, consistently emphasize the importance of following safety guidelines when using coal or electric heaters to avoid suffocation or fires. This weather also affects the agricultural sector, as farmers in northern regions are forced to take preventative measures to protect their crops from potential frost damage.
