Saudi Arabia weather: Tarif below zero and a cold wave hits the north
The regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, specifically the northern regions, are experiencing a severe cold wave that has led to a noticeable drop in temperatures, reaching freezing levels. The governorate of Tarif recorded the lowest minimum temperature at dawn on Wednesday, at 3 degrees Celsius below zero, indicating the peak of the winter season this year.
Monitoring temperatures in the Kingdom's cities
According to the data released, Tarif was not the only area to experience freezing temperatures. Al-Qurayyat recorded a low of -2 degrees Celsius, while Arar and Rafha both reached -1 degree Celsius. Meanwhile, Sakaka recorded a low of just above zero degrees Celsius, and the lowest temperature in the Hail region was 2 degrees Celsius. In Al-Qaysumah, the low was 4 degrees Celsius, while Tabuk and Al-Dawadmi recorded 5 degrees Celsius. The capital, Riyadh, and Buraidah both reached 6 degrees Celsius.
Climate context: Why is the north coldest?
The northern regions of the Kingdom, such as Tarif, the Northern Borders, and Tabuk, possess unique geographical and climatic importance, making them a gateway for polar air masses originating from Siberia and Eastern Europe. Historically, Tarif is known as one of the coldest areas in the Arabian Peninsula during winter, frequently recording record low temperatures and snowfall. This makes the current cold snap part of the region's typical climate pattern for this time of year, although its intensity always necessitates taking necessary precautions.
Weather forecast and weather effects
The National Center for Meteorology explained in its weather report that the weather will be cold to very cold in the Tabuk, Al-Jawf, Hail, and Northern Borders regions, with a high chance of frost that may affect agricultural crops and vehicle traffic in the early morning hours. The center also warned of active surface winds stirring up dust and sand, which may reduce horizontal visibility in parts of Al-Qassim, Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and Najran, extending to the southwestern highlands and parts of Makkah and Madinah.
Expected impact and safety recommendations
These conditions directly impact the daily lives of citizens and residents, with increased demand for heating and heavy winter clothing such as the traditional "farwa," a staple of local culture and a necessity in such weather. Authorities are urging drivers on highways connecting northern cities to exercise caution due to the possibility of fog and reduced visibility, particularly in the Jazan and Asir regions, which may also experience light rain.
Sea conditions in the Gulf and the Red Sea
Regarding maritime navigation, the Red Sea is experiencing northwesterly to northeasterly surface winds, with wave heights that may reach two meters towards the Gulf of Aqaba. In the Arabian Gulf, conditions are more turbulent, with wind speeds reaching 55 km/h and wave heights exceeding two and a half meters, creating rough seas and necessitating warnings for seafarers and fishermen in those areas.
