The National Center for Meteorology issued an urgent alert regarding the expected weather conditions, warning that large parts of the northern regions of the Kingdom will be affected by a strong cold wave, coinciding with a noticeable drop in temperatures and the formation of frost, during the early morning hours of Tuesday.
Weather details and affected areas
The weather report indicated that the effects of the weather system would begin at 1:00 AM and continue until 8:00 AM, with temperatures dropping between 0°C and 3°C. This drop would affect three main areas:
- Tabuk region: specifically in the mountainous highlands such as Jabal Al-Lawz and Al-Aqan.
- Northern Border Region: This includes the governorates of Hazm Al-Jalamid and Tarif.
- Al-Jawf region: It is concentrated in Al-Qurayyat and Tabarjal.
The geographical and climatic context of the northern regions
The northern regions of Saudi Arabia, specifically Tabuk, the Northern Borders, and Al-Jawf, are the primary gateway for cold air masses originating from the northern hemisphere, whether Siberian or polar. These regions are characterized by their geography, which contributes to significantly lower temperatures compared to other parts of the Kingdom.
For example, the province of Tarif historically known for recording the lowest temperatures in the Arabian Peninsula during winter, due to its high altitude and geographical location. Similarly, Jabal al-Lawz in Tabuk is a popular winter tourist destination, blanketed in snow at this time of year, making it a popular destination for visitors and winter enthusiasts.
Expected effects and safety recommendations
Frost formation and temperatures dropping to zero levels have multiple impacts on daily life and economic activities:
- Road safety: The formation of frost on highways in the early morning hours leads to a risk of skidding, which requires drivers and travelers on international roads linking these areas to exercise extreme caution.
- The agricultural sector: Frost poses a challenge to farmers in the Al-Jawf and Tabuk regions, which are famous for olive and fruit cultivation, as sudden cold waves may affect crops if the necessary preventive measures are not taken.
- Public health: Experts advise residents in these areas to wear heavy winter clothing, heat their homes well, and take safety precautions when using heaters, especially for children and the elderly, to avoid colds and winter illnesses.
The National Center of Meteorology continuously emphasizes the need to follow daily reports and early warnings through its official channels, to ensure everyone's safety and optimal handling of the ongoing weather fluctuations during the winter season.
