Saudi Arabia weather: Tarif below zero, frost and fog covering the north

Northern regions of Saudi Arabia experienced a significant and sharp drop in temperatures on Tuesday, with the city of Tarif recording the lowest low at -1°C, indicating the arrival of a cold wave affecting the northern parts of the country. These low temperatures coincide with reports from the National Center for Meteorology warning of unstable weather conditions affecting several regions.

Details of recorded temperatures in northern cities

According to official data, Tarif was not the only area to experience extreme cold. Al-Qurayyat recorded a temperature of 0 degrees Celsius, while Tabuk and Hail both recorded 3 degrees Celsius. Similarly, temperatures in Arar and Sakaka reached 4 degrees Celsius, and Buraydah in the Qassim region recorded 5 degrees Celsius. This variation reflects the influence of cold air masses dominating the atmosphere of the northern and northwestern regions.

Climate context and the impact of cold waves

The northern regions of the Kingdom, such as the Northern Borders, Al-Jawf, and Tabuk, are the primary gateway for polar waves and cold air masses originating from the Levant and Europe during winter. Historically, these areas experience record-breaking low temperatures, sometimes reaching freezing point and accompanied by snowfall. This makes sub-zero temperatures in Tarif a frequent occurrence at this time of year, underscoring the importance of seasonal preparations to mitigate the effects of frost.

Weather forecast: Fog, frost, and strong winds

The National Center of Meteorology explained in its daily report that the expected weather conditions indicate – God willing – a continued noticeable drop in temperatures. This drop will be accompanied by several weather phenomena, including:

• Fog formation: This leads to a decrease in horizontal visibility, especially in the early morning hours.
• Surface wind activity: stirring up dust and sand in parts of the Tabuk, Al-Jawf, Hail and Northern Borders regions, extending to include the northern parts of the Qassim and Eastern regions.
• Frost formation: Frost formation is not ruled out during the early morning hours in the aforementioned areas, which calls for the attention of farmers and highway users.

Rain chances and conditions in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf

On another note, the weather conditions are not limited to cold weather only, but also extend to include chances of light rain and partly cloudy to cloudy skies over the southern and southwestern highlands, specifically parts of the Jazan, Asir and Al-Baha regions, with the possibility of fog forming over those highlands.

Regarding maritime traffic, the report indicated that the Red Sea is experiencing northwesterly to northerly surface winds reaching speeds of up to 40 km/h in its northern and central parts, while southeasterly to easterly winds prevail in the southern part. Wave heights may reach up to two meters towards the Gulf of Aqaba and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. In the Arabian Gulf, northwesterly winds are active, reaching speeds of up to 45 km/h in the northern part, with wave heights ranging from half a meter to one and a half meters.

The relevant authorities urge citizens and residents to exercise caution while driving in areas experiencing heavy fog, and to wear appropriate winter clothing in areas with low temperatures in order to maintain public safety.