Yellow alert from the Meteorology Department: A cold wave hits 6 Saudi regions
The National Center for Meteorology issued an urgent warning classified as a “yellow alert”, warning that large parts of the Kingdom will be affected by a strong cold wave accompanied by frost formation, as part of its continuous monitoring of weather and fluctuations in the region during the current winter season.
Weather details and affected areas
The weather report indicated that this weather system will begin to have its full effects in the early morning hours of Thursday, specifically from 1:00 AM to 8:00 AM. A significant and sharp drop in temperatures is expected, ranging from 0°C to -3°C, creating conditions conducive to frost and freezing water in open areas.
The center has identified the regions and cities covered by this warning as follows:
- Eastern Region: Includes Hafr Al-Batin and Qaryat Al-Ulya.
- Riyadh Region: Includes the capital and its affiliated governorates such as Thadiq, Huraymila, Rumah, Zulfi, Ghat, Majmaah and Shaqra.
- Northern Border Region: Includes Al-Uwaiqilah, Rafha, Tarif, and Arar.
- Al-Qassim region: includes Al-Asyah, Al-Thamiriyah, Al-Shamasiyah, Al-Ammar, Al-Mudhnib, Buraydah, Unayzah, and Uyun Al-Jawa.
- Hail region: It includes Al-Shanan, Baqaa, and the city of Hail.
- Al-Jawf region: includes Dumat Al-Jandal and Sakaka.
The context of cold waves in the Kingdom's climate
This cold wave is a natural part of Saudi Arabia's winter climate, as the country is typically affected at this time of year by polar air masses originating from the north, often the Siberian High. These air masses are characterized by their dryness and extreme cold, leading to record low minimum temperatures, particularly in the northern and central regions, which are characterized by their open desert landscape and rapid heat loss during the night.
The importance of warnings and their expected effects
This “yellow alert” is of paramount importance to several vital sectors in the Kingdom. From a health , this sharp drop in temperatures necessitates taking precautions and wearing heavy winter clothing to avoid colds and winter illnesses, especially for children and the elderly when going out early in the morning for school and work.
On the agricultural , frost poses a significant challenge for farmers in the Qassim, Hail, and Al-Jawf regions, as freezing water can damage sensitive crops, necessitating preventative measures to protect them. Drivers are also advised to exercise caution on highways, which may experience reduced visibility or minor skidding due to frost formation in the early morning hours.
