Saudi Arabia weather: Cold wave and frost in Al Qurayyat and Tabuk
The National Center for Meteorology issued an urgent alert to citizens and residents in northern Saudi Arabia, warning of a severe cold wave hitting the region, specifically the governorates of Qurayyat and Tabarjal in the Al-Jawf region. These warnings come as part of ongoing monitoring of the weather, which is experiencing significant fluctuations as winter reaches its peak.
The center explained in its detailed report that the expected weather conditions will begin to have a noticeable impact at dawn on Tuesday, with temperatures expected to drop significantly, ranging between 0 degrees Celsius and -3 degrees Celsius. The report indicated that the peak of this cold snap will be during the early morning hours, specifically from 1:00 AM to 8:00 AM, creating a high risk of frost. This necessitates taking precautions, especially for drivers and farmers.
Extension of the impact to other areas
The impact of this cold air mass is not limited to the Al-Jawf region; it extends to large parts of northern and northwestern Saudi Arabia. Weather maps indicate that Tabuk, the Northern Borders region, Hail, and the northern part of the Madinah region will also experience a significant drop in minimum temperatures. Forecasts for these areas range from 2 degrees Celsius to -2 degrees Celsius during the period from Tuesday to Thursday (January 20–22).
In addition to the temperature drop, the meteorological department warned of active surface winds stirring up dust and sand, which may lead to a decrease in horizontal visibility on highways and open areas, which is a common occurrence associated with cold air fronts crossing the Kingdom's atmosphere.
The climatic and geographical context of the region
Due to its geographical location, the northern regions of Saudi Arabia are the primary gateway for weather systems originating from higher latitudes, whether polar or Siberian air masses. Historically, cities like Al Qurayyat, Tarif, and Tabuk have experienced the lowest temperatures in the Arabian Peninsula during January and February, with some years recording record lows of -5 degrees Celsius, sometimes accompanied by snowfall.
This climatic nature makes the inhabitants of these regions the most adaptable and experienced in dealing with severe cold waves, but official warnings remain necessary to remind everyone of the need to adhere to safety instructions.
Expected effects and necessary measures
This cold wave has multiple effects beyond simply feeling cold. On the agricultural front, frost poses a real threat to crops in the Al-Jawf region, a major food basket for the Kingdom, requiring farmers to take preventative measures to protect their crops. On the health front, these conditions increase the likelihood of contracting winter illnesses and colds, necessitating the wearing of heavy winter clothing and avoidance of cold drafts.
The relevant authorities, such as the Civil Defense, also call on citizens to be careful when using different heating methods (coal, kerosene, or electric heaters) to ensure that no suffocation or fire incidents occur, especially in enclosed spaces, while also stressing the need to follow current weather forecasts to avoid overland travel during periods of wind and dust activity.
