The National Center for Meteorology announced that the city of Tarif, located in the Northern Borders region, recorded the lowest temperature in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, reaching -1°C. This significant drop in temperature is part of a cold wave affecting the northern regions of the country, highlighting the diverse climate that characterizes the Kingdom's vast geography.
Climatic background of northern regions
The northern regions of the Kingdom, including Tarif, Qurayyat, Arar, and Tabuk, are known for their continental desert climate, characterized by bitterly cold winters and very hot summers. This harsh winter cold is due to their geographical location, which exposes them to cold air masses originating from high-pressure systems in Siberia and Europe. As these cold, dry air masses penetrate southward, they cause a sharp drop in temperatures, often falling below freezing, leading to frost and sometimes snowfall in mountainous areas such as Jabal al-Lawz in Tabuk.
Details of temperatures and their effects
According to a statement from the National Center for Meteorology, the cold wave was not limited to Tarif alone, but included other cities that recorded very low temperatures, as follows:
- Tarif: -1 degree Celsius
- Al Qurayyat: 0 degrees Celsius
- Hail: 3 degrees Celsius
- Tabuk: 3 degrees Celsius
- Arar: 4 degrees Celsius
- Buraidah: 5 degrees Celsius
These weather conditions have direct impacts on the lives of residents and various sectors. Locally, citizens and residents are required to take preventative measures against the cold, such as wearing warm clothing and using heating appliances safely. Experts also warn of the risk of frost formation on crops, especially in agricultural areas, which could harm farmers. Regarding transportation, traffic may be affected in the early morning due to icy roads.
Warnings of dust storms in the Eastern Province
Coinciding with the cold wave in the north, the National Center for Meteorology issued a warning about surface wind activity that could stir up dust and sand in parts of the Eastern Province, including Jubail, Khobar, Khafji, Dammam, and Qatif. The report indicated that this condition could cause near-zero horizontal visibility, urging drivers to exercise caution, especially on highways. These interconnected phenomena (cold weather in the north and easterly winds) are characteristic of weather systems that affect the Arabian Peninsula during winter.
