Lowest temperatures in Saudi Arabia: Tarif 1°C and rain in the Eastern Province
Several regions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia witnessed a noticeable drop in temperatures, as the National Meteorological Center revealed in its latest report that the governorate of Tarif recorded the lowest temperature in the Kingdom on Sunday, which reached only one degree Celsius, indicating the actual entry into the severe cold waves that the northern regions usually witness at this time of year.
List of the lowest recorded temperatures in the cities of the Kingdom
The National Center for Meteorology issued a statement detailing the minimum temperatures recorded in several cities and governorates across the Kingdom. These temperatures varied between the northern, eastern, and central regions, with the northern regions experiencing the coldest temperatures. The list is as follows:
- Tarif: One degree Celsius (the lowest in the Kingdom).
- Sakaka: 2 degrees Celsius.
- Juniper: 2 degrees Celsius.
- Al Qurayyat: 3 degrees Celsius.
- Al-Qaysumah: 6 degrees Celsius.
- Al-Ahsa: 6 degrees Celsius.
- Dammam: 6 degrees Celsius.
- Rafha: 6 degrees Celsius.
- Tabuk: 6 degrees Celsius.
- Hail: 6 degrees Celsius.
Weather conditions in the Eastern Province: Rain and fog
Coinciding with the drop in temperatures, the National Center for Meteorology issued a weather alert for the Eastern Province, indicating expectations of light rain accompanied by active winds and reduced horizontal visibility, in addition to the possibility of thunderstorms. The alert, which remains in effect until the early hours of Monday morning, covers several governorates and cities, including: Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, Dhahran, Qatif, Abqaiq, Ras Tanura, Hafr Al-Batin, and Khafji.
climatic context and the impact of cold air masses
These temperature drops are part of the typical winter weather patterns in Saudi Arabia, particularly in northern regions such as Tarif, Arar, and Qurayyat. These areas serve as the northern gateway to the Kingdom, receiving the first cold air masses from the Levant and Europe, which consistently result in the lowest temperatures, sometimes dropping below freezing and causing frost.
The importance of exercising caution and following safety guidelines
Due to the current weather fluctuations, combining extreme cold in the north with rain and fog in the east, experts and relevant authorities emphasize the importance of following public safety guidelines. Drivers in the eastern region are advised to exercise extreme caution while driving due to reduced visibility caused by fog or rain, and to maintain a safe following distance to avoid accidents. Residents of the northern and central regions are also advised to wear warm winter clothing and ensure their homes are properly heated, especially for children and the elderly, to prevent colds and other seasonal illnesses associated with low temperatures.
