Northern Saudi Arabia is experiencing a rare and severe cold wave, with temperatures plunging to unprecedented lows in several regions. The National Center of Meteorology has attributed this phenomenon to a Siberian air mass sweeping through the Kingdom, creating freezing conditions not seen in years.
Record-Low Temperatures
The cold spell has brought sub-zero temperatures to northern cities, with Turaif in the Northern Border Province recording the lowest temperature in the Kingdom at -3°C. Other notable temperature readings include:
- Al Qurayyat, Al Jouf: -1°C
- Rafha: 0°C
- Arar: 2°C
In Tabarjal, Al Jouf Province, water froze for the first time in years, underscoring the unusual nature of the cold wave.
Further south, the cold air has affected cities with temperatures remaining low:
- Hafar Al Batin: 3°C
- Tabuk, Hail, and Al Jouf: 4°C
- Buraidah: 6°C
- Riyadh and Abha: 8°C
- Coastal cities such as Dammam, Al Ahsa, and Taif: 9°C
Frost and Weather Conditions
The extreme cold has resulted in frost formation during the early mornings, particularly in northern areas. The weather is expected to remain harsh through Tuesday, with northern regions like Tabuk, Al Jouf, and Hail continuing to experience temperatures between 0°C and -3°C.
By Monday and Tuesday, the cold front is forecasted to extend to Qassim, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, where temperatures could drop to 2°C to 5°C.
Cloudy Skies and Rain in the South
While the north grapples with freezing temperatures, southern regions such as Jazan, Asir, and Al Baha are witnessing partially cloudy skies, light rain, and fog. In parts of Mecca, isolated thunderstorms with strong winds are expected, stirring up dust and reducing visibility.
A Rare Event for Saudi Arabia
Such freezing conditions are a rare phenomenon in Saudi Arabia, particularly in regions like Al Jouf, where water freezing is an uncommon sight. The cold wave highlights the Siberian air mass's significant impact on the Kingdom's weather patterns.
Authorities have urged residents to take precautions against the extreme cold, particularly during early mornings when frost formation is most severe. The weather also serves as a reminder of the diverse climatic conditions that can affect Saudi Arabia, from freezing temperatures in the north to thunderstorms and rain in the south.
