The city of Tarif, located in the Northern Borders region, recorded the lowest temperature in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, reaching zero degrees Celsius, signaling a severe cold wave affecting the northern parts of the country. The National Center for Meteorology issued a detailed statement on the minimum temperatures recorded in various cities, reflecting a clear climatic variation.
According to the center's report, the ranking of the coldest cities in the Kingdom is as follows:
- Tarif: 0 degrees Celsius
- Al Qurayyat: 1 degree Celsius
- Sakaka: 3 degrees Celsius
- Tabuk: 3 degrees Celsius
- Arar: 4 degrees Celsius
- Hail: 6 degrees Celsius
- Rafha: 6 degrees Celsius
Tarif: The gateway to frost in the Kingdom
The occurrence of such low temperatures in Tarif is not surprising, as the province is known for its continental desert climate, characterized by extremely hot summers and bitterly cold winters. Due to its location in the far north of the Kingdom, Tarif is among the first areas to be affected by cold air masses originating from Siberia and Eastern Europe during winter. This location means that sub-zero temperatures are frequently recorded, leading to frost and, occasionally, light snowfall, which challenges the prevailing image of the Kingdom's hot desert climate.
Local effects of the cold wave
Cold waves directly impact the lives of residents in northern regions. As temperatures plummet to near-freezing levels, the demand for heating increases, driving up energy consumption. Authorities such as the Civil Defense and the Ministry of Health issue warnings to citizens and residents, especially the elderly and children, urging them to take precautions and wear warm winter clothing to protect themselves from cold-related illnesses. In agriculture, frost poses a challenge for farmers, as it can damage exposed crops, necessitating preventative measures to safeguard them.
Dust storms hit the eastern region
In a striking climatic contrast, while the north of the Kingdom experiences freezing temperatures, the National Center for Meteorology has warned of entirely different weather conditions in the Eastern Province. The center issued an alert for active surface winds stirring up dust and sand, which could develop into dust storms leading to near-zero horizontal visibility. The warning included major cities such as Al-Ahsa, Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, and Qatif, prompting increased caution among drivers and those with respiratory conditions. This climatic disparity between the north and east of the Kingdom reflects its vast geographical expanse and diverse topography, which creates multiple weather phenomena simultaneously.
