Northern Saudi Arabia is experiencing unstable weather conditions and a sharp drop in temperatures. On Sunday, January 4th, the cities of Arar, Qurayyat, and Tarif recorded temperatures nearing zero degrees Celsius, indicating the intensification of the cold wave affecting the region. Meanwhile, Rafha recorded a low of 3 degrees Celsius, and Sakaka saw a low of 4 degrees Celsius, necessitating the adoption of necessary precautions to cope with the cold weather.
National Center of Meteorology forecasts
The National Center for Meteorology confirmed in its daily report that the noticeable drop in temperatures will continue throughout the day, and its impact will not be limited to cold weather alone, but will also be accompanied by brisk winds. This weather pattern will affect the regions of Tabuk, Al-Jawf, and the Northern Borders, with its effects extending to parts of the regions of Hail, Al-Qassim, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province. The center also warned of the possibility of dense fog forming in parts of these areas, which could lead to reduced horizontal visibility.
Climate context and the effects of the cold wave
This cold wave is part of the typical winter weather patterns in northern Saudi Arabia, as these areas are the first point of entry for polar air masses from the north. Areas like Tarif, Qurayyat, and Arar are characterized by their geographical location and high altitude, making them prone to experiencing freezing and sub-zero temperatures frequently during January and February, a period known locally as "Al-Murabba'aniyah" and "Al-Shabṭ.".
The effects of this weather system are not limited to the feeling of cold; they extend to public safety. The meteorological department has warned of the possibility of frost forming during the night and early morning hours in parts of northern Saudi Arabia, posing a danger to drivers on highways, in addition to its potential impact on agricultural crops in those areas. Meanwhile, parts of the Makkah and Madinah regions are experiencing active winds stirring up dust and sand, requiring caution for those with respiratory conditions.
State of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
Regarding the maritime conditions, the report indicated that surface winds over the Red Sea will be northeasterly to northerly, shifting to northwesterly in the evening over the northern and central parts, with speeds reaching up to 45 km/h. In the southern part, winds will be southeasterly to southerly, potentially reaching speeds of up to 50 km/h towards the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, with wave heights exceeding two meters in those areas, resulting in rough sea conditions.
On the eastern side of the Kingdom in the Arabian Gulf, forecasts indicate northwesterly surface winds with speeds ranging between 25 and 50 km/h, leading to waves of one and a half to two and a half meters high, and the sea state will be moderate to rough, which calls for warning seafarers and fishermen in those areas.
