Breaking Chill: Saudi Arabia Braces for Snow and Temperatures Below Zero
The National Meteorological Center (NMC) of Saudi Arabia has forecasted a significant dip in temperatures and the possibility of snowfall in the northern regions, including Tabuk, Al Jouf, and the Northern Border areas, during the upcoming mid-term school break. In a statement via their official X account, the NMC warned of a cold wave sweeping across the Kingdom.
"Intense cold weather is expected to continue over the next few days," the NMC announced, "with temperatures dropping in the northern and central regions, including Riyadh and Madinah."
The NMC also cautioned about heavy rain accompanied by strong winds, which could cause disruption and dust storms in various parts of the country, including Tabuk, Makkah, Madinah, Al Jouf, the Northern Border, Hail, Al Qassim, Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and Al Baha.
Additionally, foggy conditions are expected on some nights and early mornings in several regions, such as Tabuk, Al Jouf, the Northern Border, Hail, Al Qassim, Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and the highlands of Asir, Jazan, and Mekkah.
Gulf News (03/01/2025) reports that Aqeel Al Aqeel, a weather analyst at the Meteorology Department, warns that some northern regions may experience temperatures below zero, while Riyadh could reach a record low of 2°C in the coming days.
Al Aqeel added that there will be significant weather fluctuations next week, including heavy rain and snowfall, particularly in the Tabuk highlands and the northern areas of the Northern Border region.
Historically, the NMC noted, the most intense cold snap in Saudi Arabia occurred in January 1992, with temperatures plummeting to an all-time low of -9.3°C in Hail. Over seven days, the average temperature dropped to a chilling -4.4°C.
The NMC highlighted that Hail and Al Qurayyat have traditionally experienced the coldest temperatures in the country since 1985.
