Saudi Arabia weather today: Tabuk records 3 degrees and dust warnings issued
Northern regions of Saudi Arabia experienced a significant and sharp drop in temperatures on Wednesday, with Tabuk the lowest temperature at 3 degrees Celsius, indicating the peak of the cold wave affecting the region. Tabuk was not alone in this decline; the city of Tarif followed with a low of 4 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature in Arar reached 6 degrees Celsius. This prompted authorities to raise their level of preparedness and issue warnings to citizens and residents.
Details of the National Center for Meteorology report
The National Center for Meteorology issued its daily weather forecast for Wednesday, January 14, indicating that the drop in temperatures will not be the only weather phenomenon, but will be accompanied by a noticeable increase in surface winds. These winds will stir up dust and sand, leading to a significant decrease in horizontal visibility, especially on highways and in open areas in parts of the Tabuk, Al-Jawf, Northern Borders, Hail, and Madinah regions.
Rain and fog
In a related context, the center explained that the sky will be partly cloudy to cloudy, with a chance of light rain that may refresh the atmosphere in parts of the Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir, and Jazan regions. This chance extends to parts of the northern and eastern regions of the Kingdom. The meteorological department also warned of fog that may form during the night and early morning hours, increasing the risks for driving in parts of the western and southwestern regions of the Kingdom.
State of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
Regarding maritime navigation, the Red Sea northwesterly to northerly surface winds in its northern and central parts, and southeasterly winds shifting to southerly winds in its southern part, with speeds reaching 45 km/h and wave heights reaching 2.5 meters, resulting in rough sea conditions. In the Arabian Gulf , southeasterly winds are active, shifting to northwesterly in the evening, and may reach speeds of 50 km/h with the formation of thunderstorms and rain, raising waves to 2.5 meters.
Climate context and the effects of the cold wave
These weather fluctuations are part of the normal climatic pattern during January, which marks the peak of winter in Saudi Arabia. Northern regions are typically affected by polar air masses from the north, causing temperatures to drop to near or even below freezing.
This weather pattern is of particular importance due to its direct impact on daily life. Those traveling on highways connecting northern regions must exercise extreme caution due to dust and reduced visibility. Farmers and livestock breeders in these areas are advised to take necessary precautions to protect their crops and animals from the severe cold, while health authorities recommend wearing heavy winter clothing to avoid seasonal winter illnesses.
