The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia has announced the official countdown to the end of winter. The center's spokesperson, Hussein Al-Qahtani, revealed that only 11 days remain until the end of winter weather, astronomically speaking. This announcement paves the way for the arrival of spring, which will bring with it a gradual and noticeable rise in temperatures across most regions of the Kingdom.
Al-Qahtani described the current winter season as “exceptional” and warmer than usual. He attributed this climatic phenomenon to the concentration of cold air masses almost exclusively over the northern and central regions of the Kingdom, preventing their strong impact from extending to other areas, particularly the southern and western coastal regions. As a result, many cities recorded temperatures higher than their annual averages, and some residents did not even experience the usual harsh winter cold.
The climatic and historical context of winter in the Kingdom
The climate of Saudi Arabia is characterized by its great diversity due to its vast size. While northern regions such as Tabuk and Arar experience very cold winters that may include snowfall, the coastal areas on the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf enjoy mild and pleasant winters. The traditional local calendar relies on specific seasons and names, such as "Al-Murabba'aniyah" and "Al-Shabṭ," to indicate the coldest periods of winter, which farmers and citizens alike await as indicators of the changing seasons. However, this year's winter has deviated from this familiar pattern, aligning with broader global trends.
The importance of the event and its expected effects
The end of winter and the beginning of spring are not merely a change in weather; they bring with them significant economic, social, and environmental impacts. In agriculture, a mild winter affects the growth cycle of some strategic crops, such as dates and wheat, as certain varieties require specific chilling hours to reach optimal maturity. It also influences rainfall, which is the primary source for replenishing groundwater reserves and dams in the Kingdom.
Socially, the milder weather and the arrival of spring encourage increased outdoor activities and domestic tourism, as citizens and residents flock to parks and natural areas to enjoy the pleasant weather before the hot summer months. Globally, these shifts in climatic patterns, such as warmer winters, are viewed as part of the global phenomenon of climate change, which affects all countries and necessitates intensified efforts to study these phenomena and adapt to their future impacts.
