Cold wave and frost in Al-Qurayyat... Saudi Meteorology warns
Warning of a cold wave and frost in the north of the Kingdom
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an advanced warning regarding a severe cold wave, accompanied by frost, expected to hit Al-Qurayyat Governorate in the Al-Jawf region of northern Saudi Arabia. According to the center's report, temperatures are expected to plummet to between 0°C and -3°C. The center explained that these weather conditions will begin in the early hours of Sunday morning, specifically at 2:00 AM, and continue until 8:00 AM, urging residents to take precautions.
The climatic context of the Al-Jawf region
The Al-Jawf region is located in the northern part of Saudi Arabia and is characterized by its continental desert climate, marked by significant temperature variations between summer and winter, as well as between day and night. During winter, the region is directly affected by cold air masses from the north, leading to a noticeable drop in temperatures, often falling below freezing, especially in open and desert areas such as the Al-Qurayyat Governorate. Frost is a common weather phenomenon during this time of year, coinciding with what are locally known as "Al-Murabba'aniyah" and "Al-Shabṭ," the coldest periods of winter in the Arabian Peninsula.
Expected effects and the importance of the warning
This warning is of paramount importance given the multiple impacts that frost can have. Locally, frost poses a direct threat to the agricultural sector in the Al-Jawf region, known as the "breadbasket of the Kingdom" and renowned for its olive groves and diverse fruit production. Frost can damage crops and freeze tree buds, causing significant economic losses for farmers. Therefore, farmers are advised to take immediate preventative measures to protect their crops, such as covering plants or using modern irrigation methods to combat frost.
On the health and social front, health authorities and civil defense are urging citizens and residents, especially the elderly, children, and those with chronic illnesses, to stay in warm places and avoid going out except when absolutely necessary during the coldest hours. They are also emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety of heating appliances to prevent the risk of fires or carbon monoxide poisoning. The cold wave may also affect traffic in the early morning, as frost can form a thin layer of ice on the roads, requiring careful driving.
