Hail tops the list of the coldest cities in the Kingdom
The National Center for Meteorology announced that the city of Hail recorded the lowest temperature in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, reaching only 3 degrees Celsius. This significant drop in temperature is part of a cold wave affecting the northern and central regions of the country, highlighting the diverse climate of Saudi Arabia. The center issued a detailed statement outlining the minimum temperatures recorded in several cities, which are as follows:
- Hail: 3 degrees Celsius
- Sakaka: 5 degrees Celsius
- Tarif: 6 degrees Celsius
- Dawadmi: 7 degrees Celsius
- Al Qurayyat: 7 degrees Celsius
- Rafha: 7 degrees Celsius
- Buraidah: 7 degrees Celsius
- Arar: 8 degrees Celsius
The climatic context of Saudi winter
Contrary to the prevailing stereotype of the Kingdom as a hot desert country year-round, its northern regions, such as Hail, Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders, and Tabuk, experience bitterly cold winters. This is due to their northerly geographical location and their exposure to cold air masses originating from Central Asia and Europe during the winter season. Topography also plays a significant role; the city of Hail, situated in the heart of the Jabal Shammar region, is elevated above sea level, contributing to lower temperatures compared to coastal or lower-lying areas. This period of the year is known locally as "Al-Murabba'aniyah," the peak of winter, lasting forty days and characterized by intense cold and frost.
Local impacts and the significance of the event
The impact of these cold waves isn't limited to mere weather figures; it extends to every aspect of daily life. Locally, there's a significant increase in demand for heating methods, both electric and traditional, such as firewood, which in turn affects energy consumption and purchasing patterns. Authorities like the Civil Defense are issuing continuous warnings to citizens and residents, urging them to take precautions, particularly regarding the safe use of heating appliances to prevent fires or carbon monoxide poisoning, and to be especially careful while driving early in the morning due to the possibility of fog or frost on the roads.
On the other hand, this weather contributes to the revitalization of domestic winter tourism, as many flock to the wilderness areas to enjoy picnics and camping around campfires, a social custom deeply rooted in the region's culture. On an agricultural level, frost presents a challenge for farmers in protecting their crops, but at the same time, it is essential for certain types of crops that require specific hours of chilling to grow properly, highlighting the delicate balance that the climate imposes on the agricultural sector in these regions.
