Northern Borders Weather: Sub-zero temperatures and frost in Arar and Tarif

The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an important weather alert, warning of a severe cold wave directly affecting the Northern Borders region. The alert specifically included the city of Arar and the governorate of Tarif, where forecasts indicate a significant and sharp drop in temperatures ranging from 0°C to -3°C, necessitating caution.

The center explained in its report that this extremely cold weather system will begin to have its full effects starting at 2:00 AM on Sunday and will continue for six consecutive hours until 8:00 AM the same day. This sharp drop in temperature will be accompanied by frost, a weather phenomenon that requires special attention, particularly for drivers and motorists using highways in those areas during the early morning hours.

This cold wave is typical of the Northern Borders region's winter climate, as it serves as the Kingdom's northern gateway, usually receiving polar air masses from Siberia and Eastern Europe. Provinces like Tarif and Arar are characterized by their geography and high altitude, making them prone to recording the lowest temperatures in the Kingdom annually. Historically, Tarif province has been known for its record-breakingly low temperatures, leading it to be described in many winter seasons as the coldest point in the Arabian Peninsula.

This drop in temperatures is expected to have a direct impact on daily life. Experts advise wearing heavy winter clothing and ensuring adequate and safe heating inside homes, while exercising extreme caution when using coal or kerosene heaters indoors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Farmers and livestock breeders in these areas are also advised to take necessary measures to protect their crops and livestock from the effects of frost, which could harm the agricultural and animal sectors if not handled carefully.

Regarding road safety, the formation of frost on roads poses a potential hazard that could lead to vehicles skidding. Therefore, authorities consistently emphasize the importance of driving at low speeds and maintaining a safe following distance in such conditions. This early warning from the National Center of Meteorology is part of ongoing efforts to raise weather awareness and ensure the safety of citizens and residents in the face of the severe weather fluctuations experienced in the northern regions of the Kingdom during the Al-Murabba'aniyah and Al-Shabat seasons.