A sharp drop in temperatures in the north of the Kingdom
Northern Saudi Arabia experienced a significant drop in temperatures on Tuesday, with the governorates of Tarif and Qurayyat recording the lowest temperature in the Kingdom at just 3 degrees Celsius. This decrease is part of a cold wave affecting large parts of the country, reflecting the harsh climate of these regions during winter. According to recorded data, Arar followed with a low of 4 degrees Celsius, followed by Al-Jawf and Tabuk at 5 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature in Rafha and Hail reached 6 degrees Celsius, while the capital, Riyadh, and Al-Ahsa recorded 7 degrees Celsius, confirming the widespread impact of the cold air mass.
The climatic context of the northern regions
Northern Saudi Arabia, including areas like Tarif, Qurayyat, and Arar, is known for its continental desert climate, characterized by bitterly cold winters and hot summers. The frequent occurrence of low temperatures is attributed to its location, which is exposed to cold air masses originating from northern Eurasia, known as the Siberian High. These dry, cold air masses flow southward during winter, causing a sharp drop in temperatures that can sometimes fall below freezing, with the possibility of frost and light snowfall in the higher elevations, making it one of the coldest regions in the Kingdom.
National Center of Meteorology forecasts and dust warnings
The National Center for Meteorology issued its daily report, indicating that active surface winds will continue to affect several regions. Parts of Najran, Riyadh, Qassim, Hail, and the Northern Borders regions are expected to be affected by dust-raising winds, which may reduce horizontal visibility. The center warned drivers on highways and those with respiratory conditions to take precautions. The report also indicated a chance of light rain in parts of Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, and the highlands of the Makkah region, with the possibility of dense fog forming during the night and early morning hours in these highlands and the coastal areas of the Eastern Province.
Sea conditions and maritime navigation
Regarding maritime traffic, the report indicated that winds over the Red Sea will be northwesterly to northeasterly in the northern and central parts, while they will be southeasterly to easterly in the southern part, with wave heights ranging from half a meter to one and a half meters. Wind speeds may reach 50 km/h and wave heights up to two and a half meters in the direction of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital international shipping lane, requiring caution from transiting vessels. In the Arabian Gulf, winds will be northwesterly to northerly, gradually shifting to southeasterly, with wave heights ranging from half a meter to one and a half meters, resulting in generally calm to moderate sea conditions.
