Polar wave hits Saudi Arabia: Zero-degree temperatures in 8 regions

Citizens and residents of Saudi Arabia are closely monitoring weather updates as the Kingdom prepares to receive a cold polar air mass, causing a significant and sharp drop in temperatures. The effects of this wave will begin on Wednesday and continue until Saturday, covering eight major regions of the country, necessitating caution.

Polar wave path and its geographical impact

According to meteorological data, the polar wave will begin affecting the northern regions of the Kingdom, then gradually extend to include the capital, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province. Forecasts indicate that temperatures will drop below freezing in some northern areas, heralding harsh winter weather.

The areas directly affected by this cold air mass starting from the middle of this week include:

• Tabuk region
• Al-Jawf region
• Northern Border Region
• Hail region
• North of the Medina region

In these areas, thermometers record a sharp drop, with minimum temperatures ranging from 3 degrees Celsius down to one degree below zero, which increases the chances of frost formation during the early morning hours.

The impact extends to the central and eastern regions of the Kingdom

The impact of this weather system is not limited to the north; it extends both temporally and geographically to encompass wider areas on Friday and Saturday, moving rapidly towards the central and eastern regions of the Kingdom. The Qassim region, and the northern parts of the Riyadh and Eastern regions, will experience the effects of this system over the weekend.

Digital forecasts indicate that minimum temperatures in Qassim, northern Riyadh and the Eastern Province will range between 3 and 4 degrees Celsius, levels that require wearing heavy winter clothing and being well prepared for the cold weather, especially in open and desert areas.

Climatic context: The peak of winter in the Arabian Peninsula

This noticeable drop in temperatures is part of the typical weather fluctuations in January and February, which mark the peak of winter in the Arabian Peninsula. During this time, the Kingdom is usually affected by Siberian high-pressure systems or air masses originating from the eastern Mediterranean and Europe, resulting in significantly lower temperatures.

The northern regions of the Kingdom are considered the first gateway to receive these cold waves due to their geographical location and topographical nature, which helps to lower the temperature and sometimes cause snowfall in the highlands.

Important recommendations for public safety

As this weather system approaches, the importance of adhering to public safety guidelines issued by relevant authorities such as the Civil Defense and the National Center for Meteorology becomes paramount. Among the most important recommendations in such weather conditions are:

• Caution should be exercised when using heating appliances, whether coal, kerosene, or electric heaters, to avoid suffocation or fire accidents, and it is necessary to ventilate enclosed spaces.
• Drive with caution: Due to the possibility of fog or frost forming on highways in the early morning hours, which reduces horizontal visibility and affects tire grip on the road.
• Protecting agricultural crops: Frost poses a threat to crops in northern agricultural areas, which necessitates farmers taking the necessary preventive measures.

Experts advise following current weather bulletins and updates from the National Center for Meteorology to stay informed about the latest developments in the weather situation, to ensure everyone's safety during this cold wave.