Saudi Arabia's weather today: Sharp temperature contrast between Al-Qunfudhah and Tarif
Saudi Arabia experienced a striking temperature contrast today, with the National Center for Meteorology recording a wide temperature gap between different regions of the Kingdom, reflecting the country's unique geographical and climatic diversity. Weather stations recorded a temperature difference exceeding 30 degrees Celsius between the warm coastal areas and the very cold northern regions, a phenomenon that warrants attention and directly impacts daily life and travel.
Heat gap between the north and the coast
Official data from the Meteorology Department revealed sharply contrasting figures. While Al-Qunfudhah Governorate experienced quintessential summer weather with maximum temperatures reaching 33 degrees Celsius, minimum temperatures plummeted in the northern regions, particularly in Tarif and Al-Qurayyat, dropping to a mere 2 degrees Celsius, nearing freezing. This significant disparity is attributed to the Kingdom's geographical nature, with the northern regions being affected by cold air masses originating from the north, while the western coastal areas retain their warmth and relative humidity.
The weather in Mecca and the highlands: between warmth and cold
In a related context, the meteorological report indicated that the holy city of Mecca and Jeddah remain under the influence of relatively warm weather, with temperatures hovering around 31 degrees Celsius, making the conditions suitable for outdoor activities. In contrast, harsh winter weather prevails in the mountainous regions, with the Asir region's Al-Soudah area recording temperatures as low as 4 degrees Celsius, necessitating that residents and visitors wear heavy winter clothing.
Warnings of fog and reduced visibility
The report wasn't limited to temperatures; the center also issued serious warnings to drivers and highway users due to dense fog. This fog is affecting large parts of the Eastern Province, extending to the capital, Riyadh, the Northern Borders region, Al-Jawf, Tabuk, and the southwestern highlands. Experts emphasized that the fog intensifies during the late night and early morning hours, significantly reducing horizontal visibility and requiring extreme caution while driving.
Rainfall conditions and maritime navigation
Regarding rainfall, the chance of thunderstorms accompanied by active winds remains high over the southern and western highlands, including Jazan, Asir, and Al-Baha, extending to affect parts of the Makkah and Madinah regions. At sea, the southern part of the Red Sea is experiencing rough conditions with waves reaching up to two meters, particularly towards the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, while the Arabian Gulf is enjoying relatively calm conditions and quiet waves.
