Saudi Arabia weather: Zero degrees Celsius hits the north, warnings issued for Riyadh and the Eastern Province
Northern regions of Saudi Arabia experienced a sharp drop in temperatures on Sunday, January 4th, with the temperature reaching near freezing in Arar, Qurayyat, and Tarif, marking the lowest temperatures recorded this season. Meanwhile, Rafha recorded a low of 3 degrees Celsius, and Sakaka saw a low of 4 degrees Celsius, indicating the possibility of bitterly cold nights and necessitating caution.
Details of the National Center for Meteorology report
The National Center for Meteorology confirmed in its daily report that the cold snap continues, with surface winds expected to stir up dust and sand. This will affect the Tabuk, Al-Jawf, and Northern Borders regions, with the cold air mass gradually extending to parts of the Hail, Qassim, Riyadh, and Eastern Province regions. The center also warned of a high probability of dense fog forming during the night and early morning hours, which could reduce horizontal visibility on highways.
Climate context: Why is the north coldest?
The northern regions of the Kingdom, specifically Tarif and Qurayyat, are the primary gateway for polar air masses originating from Siberia and the eastern Mediterranean. Historically, Tarif province records the lowest temperatures in the Arabian Peninsula, having previously recorded sub-zero temperatures in past seasons, making it the coldest region in Saudi Arabia. This phenomenon is attributed to the region's geographical location and altitude, which make it susceptible to frost and snowfall during the peak of winter.
Weather impacts on daily life and public safety
As this cold wave continues, the need to adhere to public safety guidelines increases. Frost expected in the early morning hours will affect crops in open areas, and fog poses a challenge for drivers on international highways connecting the north of the Kingdom with its central and eastern regions. In a related matter, the meteorological department warned of active winds that may stir up dust in the Makkah and Madinah regions, urging caution for those with respiratory conditions.
State of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
Regarding maritime conditions, the report indicated that the Red Sea is experiencing northerly to northwesterly surface winds reaching speeds of up to 45 km/h in its northern and central parts, while wind speeds towards the Bab el-Mandeb Strait may reach 50 km/h, resulting in waves exceeding two meters in height and rough sea conditions. In the Arabian Gulf, northwesterly winds are also active, reaching speeds of up to 50 km/h, with wave heights ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 meters, creating a moderate to rough sea state. This situation warrants a warning to seafarers and fishermen along the eastern coasts.
