Meteorology: Polar wave recedes and cottony snow phenomenon ends in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is currently experiencing exceptional weather conditions, with a very cold polar air mass causing a significant and sharp drop in temperatures, reaching below zero degrees Celsius in several regions. This cold snap has been accompanied by rare weather phenomena in the central and northern regions, prompting authorities to issue multiple warnings to citizens and residents.
The polar wave is receding and the forecast for the coming days
Aqeel Al-Aqeel, an analyst at the National Center for Meteorology, explained that the current cold wave is caused by a polar low-pressure system, resulting in strong surface winds and a sharp drop in temperatures across most of the Kingdom. Al-Aqeel predicted that the wave will soon subside, with its intensity expected to gradually decrease starting next Sunday and Monday, allowing temperatures to return to their normal seasonal averages for this time of year.
The phenomenon of "cotton snow"... a rare climatic event
In a remarkable climatic occurrence, observational data confirmed the fall of what is known as "cotton snow" in the Hail and Qassim regions and the northern parts of the Riyadh region. This phenomenon differs from the usual hail or heavy snowfall, as cotton snow is characterized by its brittle texture and bright white color. It is a weather phenomenon that occurs very infrequently in these desert areas, unlike the annual snowfall that blankets the Tabuk highlands and the Al-Lawz and Al-Aqan mountains, which are typically covered in white as an annual feature of the region.
Low temperatures and wide geographical impacts
Weather stations recorded extremely low temperatures, reflecting the strength of the polar air mass. At Taif Airport (Al-Hawiyah), the temperature dropped to just 1 degree Celsius, while automatic stations on the peaks of the Tabuk mountains, such as Al-Shafa and Al-Hada, recorded sub-zero temperatures. The cold wasn't limited to the highlands; it extended to the coastal areas of Mecca, Medina, and Jeddah, where dry easterly winds exacerbated the feeling of cold, while simultaneously stirring up dust and reducing horizontal visibility in the eastern and central regions.
Important warnings for public safety and the agricultural sector
Given these conditions, the National Center of Meteorology issued urgent warnings to farmers and livestock breeders to take the necessary measures to protect crops and livestock from expected frost waves, especially in areas that have recently experienced rainfall, in order to avoid potential economic losses.
Regarding public safety, the center emphasized the dangers of improper heating practices, strongly warning against the use of coal or firewood indoors without proper ventilation to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, known as the "silent killer" because it is a colorless and odorless toxic gas. The center also advised hikers to stay away from coastal areas at this time due to high waves and strong winds.
It is worth noting that the Kingdom entered the meteorological winter season since the beginning of December, while the astronomical winter will begin on the twenty-first of this month, which indicates that the cold season is still in its early stages, with expectations of continued weather fluctuations during the coming weeks.
