Saudi Arabia's weather today: Sub-zero temperatures, frost, and dust in the Eastern Province

The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued a detailed report on the expected weather conditions, warning of severe weather fluctuations affecting several regions of the Kingdom. Forecasts indicate the dominance of a cold air mass, leading to a significant drop in temperatures to below freezing, necessitating caution from citizens and residents, especially in the northern regions and highlands.

Details of the cold wave and frost

According to weather forecasts, large parts of northern Saudi Arabia are experiencing a severe cold wave, with minimum temperatures expected to range between 0°C and -3°C. This harsh weather condition began at 1:00 AM and will continue until 8:00 AM on Friday. The affected areas include:

• Al-Jawf region: It includes Al-Qurayyat, Dumat Al-Jandal, Sakaka, and Tabarjal.
• Northern borders: affecting Al-Uwaiqilah, Rafha, Tarif, and Arar.
• Tabuk region: It includes Tayma, Tabuk city, Alqan, in addition to the highlands of Jabal Al-Lawz, which usually experience very cold weather at this time of year.
• Hail region: It covers Al-Hait, Al-Sulaimi, Al-Shamli, Al-Shanan, Al-Ghazala, Baqaa, Hail city, Samira, and Muwaqq.

The climatic context and nature of winter in the north of the Kingdom

This cold wave comes within the context of the continental climate that characterizes the northern regions of Saudi Arabia. These areas are far removed from significant bodies of water, making them vulnerable to dry, extremely cold polar air masses during the winter. These warnings are particularly important given the potential impact of frost on agricultural crops in these regions, as well as the effects of the extreme cold on public health, necessitating the wearing of heavy winter clothing and the provision of adequate heating.

Winds and dust in the Eastern Province

In contrast, the eastern region is experiencing a different weather pattern characterized by strong surface winds and dust storms. The National Center of Meteorology has warned of reduced horizontal visibility to between 3 and 5 kilometers, along with high sea waves. This weather pattern is expected to begin at 9:00 AM and continue until 6:00 PM.

Areas affected by the dust storm include Al-Ahsa, Al-Udayd, Abqaiq, Al-Khafji, Al-Nu'ayriyah, and Qaryat Al-Ulya. Meanwhile, Jubail, Al-Khobar, Dammam, Qatif, and Ras Tanura are experiencing strong winds with speeds reaching between 40 and 49 kilometers per hour, which may affect maritime navigation and outdoor activities.

Public safety recommendations

Due to these weather fluctuations, motorists on highways in the eastern regions are advised to exercise caution due to reduced visibility. Residents of the northern regions are advised to avoid direct exposure to cold air currents during the early morning hours to avoid catching colds, and to follow the updates of the National Center for Meteorology continuously.