Saudi Arabia weather today: Sakaka records 3 degrees and dust warnings issued
Saudi Arabia experienced significant weather fluctuations on Monday, December 29th, with the city of Sakaka in the Al-Jawf region recording the lowest temperature, reaching a sharp drop of 3 degrees Celsius, according to official data from the National Center for Meteorology. This decrease comes as the Kingdom experiences distinctly wintry conditions, characterized by considerable temperature variations between the northern, central, and southern regions.
Temperature details in the cities of the Kingdom
A detailed reading of the National Center for Meteorology's report reveals that Sakaka wasn't the only city experiencing extreme cold. Tabuk came in second with a low of 4 degrees Celsius, followed by Hail at 5 degrees, and then the Qassim region at 6 degrees Celsius. The cold wave also affected Tarif, Taif, Rafha, Khamis Mushait, Dawadmi, and Abha, where minimum temperatures settled at 7 degrees Celsius, reflecting the widespread nature of the cold wave across large parts of northern, central, and southern Saudi Arabia.
Accompanying weather phenomena: wind and dust
In addition to the temperature drop, the center warned of significant weather phenomena that could disrupt daily life, noting strong winds that could stir up dust and sand, leading to near-zero horizontal visibility. This weather pattern is particularly concentrated in parts of the Tabuk, Al-Jawf, and Northern Borders regions. The center also did not rule out the possibility of light rain, which could help moderate the temperature and stabilize the soil in those areas.
Fog and traffic safety alerts
In a related context, the possibility of dense fog remains high in the early morning and late evening hours over the highlands and parts of the Madinah, Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir, and Jazan regions. This phenomenon is considered one of the most dangerous factors affecting traffic on highways and in rugged mountainous areas.
Climate context and the effects of winter
This cold wave is a natural part of the prevailing climate in the Kingdom during December and January, as the northern regions (Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders, and Tabuk) are affected by cold air masses coming from Siberia or the Mediterranean, making them the gateway to the Kingdom's cold weather. This drop in temperature usually has a direct impact on daily life, with increased demand for heating and winter clothing, and disruptions to outdoor and agricultural activities.
Important recommendations for citizens and residents
Given these fluctuations, experts advise caution, especially for drivers on highways experiencing dust storms or fog, and stress the importance of staying updated on current weather forecasts. Residents of areas that have recorded very low temperatures, such as Sakaka and Tabuk, are also advised to wear warm clothing and ensure adequate heating to avoid seasonal colds.
