Polar wave hits Saudi Arabia: Sub-zero temperatures and heavy dust
Saudi Arabia is bracing for a distinctly wintry weather system, characterized by sharp fluctuations and a dual impact. Cold air masses will combine with strong surface winds to create a polar wave affecting large areas of the country. According to reports from the National Center for Meteorology, this system will begin tomorrow, Tuesday, January 20, and continue until Thursday, January 22, with official warnings urging caution.
Details of the sharp drop in temperatures
Weather maps and official forecasts indicate that a cold wave will begin to exert its strong and direct climatic influence on the northern regions of the Kingdom. The most pronounced impact will be felt in the Tabuk, Al-Jawf, Northern Borders, and Hail regions, as well as the northern parts of the Madinah region. Temperatures are expected to plummet significantly in these areas, with minimum temperatures ranging from 2 degrees Celsius above zero to 2 degrees below zero Celsius, creating conditions conducive to frost formation in the early morning hours. This necessitates protecting crops and taking appropriate heating measures.
The cold air mass will not only affect the north, but its reach will gradually expand on Wednesday and Thursday, creeping towards the central and eastern regions of the Kingdom. This expansion will include the Qassim region and the northern parts of the Riyadh and Eastern regions, where minimum temperatures are expected to reach levels between 1 and 4 degrees Celsius, signaling harsh winter weather that requires residents to be well-prepared.
Surface winds and reduced visibility
In parallel with the temperature drop, meteorologists have observed strong surface winds stirring up dust and sand. This activity will begin on Tuesday, focusing on the Al-Jawf and Northern Borders regions, potentially leading to near-zero visibility on highways and in open areas. Dust storms are expected to intensify and expand geographically from Tuesday evening through Wednesday, covering the Hail, Qassim, Riyadh, and Eastern Province regions, reaching as far south as Najran.
The active winds will continue to spread to include the eastern parts of the Asir and Al-Baha highlands, and their impact will extend to the Makkah and Madinah regions, including their coastal areas, creating a state of atmospheric instability that requires special attention from drivers and seafarers.
Climatic context and the effects of the Siberian High
This weather pattern is typical for winter in the Arabian Peninsula, where the region is often affected during January and February by the expansion of the Siberian High. This massive weather system draws cold, dry air masses from northern and central Asia southward, causing a sharp and noticeable drop in temperatures, particularly in the northern and central regions of the Kingdom.
These waves are particularly significant due to their direct impact on daily life, from increased energy consumption for heating to disruptions to land and air traffic caused by dust. They also play an environmental role in controlling certain agricultural pests due to the extremely low temperatures. However, they simultaneously pose a challenge for farmers and livestock breeders who need to protect their property from frost.
Public safety recommendations
In these conditions, it is advised to follow public safety guidelines issued by relevant authorities, such as the Civil Defense and the Ministry of Health. This includes ensuring the safety of heating appliances and providing adequate ventilation to avoid suffocation incidents, wearing warm winter clothing, especially for children and the elderly, and avoiding speeding on roads with reduced visibility due to dust. The National Center of Meteorology also urged everyone to follow real-time weather reports through official platforms to stay informed of any rapidly evolving weather conditions.
