Saudi Arabia weather: Temperature contrast between Jazan and Al-Soudah, and dust warnings
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia has revealed details of the expected weather conditions in the coming hours, noting a significant temperature variation that reflects the Kingdom's diverse climate. The forecast is dominated by sharp weather fluctuations affecting wide areas, ranging from warm summer conditions in the southern coastal regions to bitterly cold winter conditions in the highlands and northern regions.
Weather conditions and active winds details
According to the center's report, weather maps indicate strong surface winds stirring up dust and sand, significantly reducing horizontal visibility. This activity is particularly concentrated in the northern parts of the Kingdom, specifically in the Tabuk, Al-Jawf, and Northern Borders regions. Wind speeds in some of these areas may reach near-gale force, requiring drivers on highways and open roads to exercise extreme caution.
Large thermal gap between regions
In a climatic phenomenon reflecting the Kingdom's diverse geography, temperatures varied considerably. While the southern and coastal regions enjoyed warm weather, with Jazan recording the highest maximum temperature at 31 degrees Celsius, followed by Mecca and Sharurah at 30 degrees Celsius, other areas experienced distinctly wintry conditions.
In stark contrast, minimum temperatures plummeted to very low levels, with the highlands of As-Soudah, Hail, and Sakaka recording only 4 degrees Celsius, followed by Tabuk at 5 degrees, and Tarif at 6 degrees Celsius. This significant variation underscores the unique nature of Saudi Arabia's climate, which experiences multiple seasons simultaneously due to its vast geographical area.
Fog and rain: Warnings for travelers
The forecast included not only wind and temperature, but also chances of light, scattered rain that may coincide with dusty conditions in the northern regions. Conversely, there is a possibility of dense fog forming during the late night and early morning hours, which could cause near-zero or zero horizontal visibility in the highlands and parts of the Madinah, Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir, and Jazan regions.
Geographical context and the importance of climate diversity
This variation in weather is a natural consequence of Saudi Arabia's vast area, exceeding two million square kilometers, which gives it diverse terrain encompassing expansive deserts, towering mountains, and long coastlines. This diversity not only affects temperatures but also positively impacts tourism and agricultural seasons, offering a variety of crops and tourist destinations for those who prefer the winter climate in the north and highlands to the warm coastal areas in the south.
Red Sea conditions and safety recommendations
Regarding the maritime conditions, the center explained that the Red Sea is experiencing varying wind patterns; northerly to northwesterly in the northern and central parts, and southerly in the southern part, with speeds reaching up to 42 km/h, and wave heights ranging from light to moderate. The relevant authorities recommend continuously monitoring updated weather forecasts, especially for those at sea and those traveling on long land routes, to ensure their safety during these weather fluctuations.
