Severe Weather: Tabuk Cold Wave and Riyadh Sandstorm Affects Residents
The Tabuk region in Saudi Arabia faced below-zero temperatures with ice formation due to a polar wave, while a sandstorm affected visibility across several regions, prompting safety warnings from authorities. Residents were advised to stay indoors during these harsh conditions, illustrating the significant impact of winter weather anomalies in the area.
In the early hours of Friday, the Tabuk region in northwestern Saudi Arabia experienced a significant temperature drop, plunging below zero, especially in open desert areas where ice formed in water ponds. This extreme weather event highlights the effects of the polar wave which frequently brings harsh cold conditions to the region during winter.
The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has forecasted cold to very cold temperatures across several regions, including the Northern Borders, Al-Jouf, Hail, and parts of Madinah, with potential frost expected. Additionally, the NCM warned of fog conditions in Jazan, Aseer, Al-Baha, and Makkah.
On the same day, an intense sandstorm swept through various areas, including Riyadh, where dust-filled winds reduced visibility drastically, prompting weather warnings from authorities. The storm left Riyadh enveloped in gray haze and affected transportation, leading officials to advise motorists to exercise caution.
In light of the severe weather conditions, the General Directorate of Civil Defense recommended that residents remain indoors during the sandstorm to avoid accidents. Local residents, such as Abdul Ghaffar, were compelled to alter their weekend plans due to the adverse weather.
The traffic department reported incidents related to the weather, including an overturned BMW following a collision with a roadside fence in Riyadh, which highlighted the dangers posed by the sandstorm. Authorities are actively responding to ensure public safety amid these challenging conditions.
Saudi Arabia frequently experiences extreme weather conditions, particularly during the winter months when polar air masses from northern Europe influence temperatures. This can result in harsh cold spells, ice formation in desert areas, and conditions conducive to sandstorms. Given the geographic and climatic diversity of the Kingdom, such occurrences are critical to monitor and prepare for to safeguard residents.
In summary, the weekend witnessed notable meteorological phenomena in Saudi Arabia, with the Tabuk region experiencing freezing temperatures due to a polar wave, while a concurrent sandstorm affected visibility and public safety across various areas, including Riyadh. Authorities have taken measures to protect residents, advising against outdoor activities during these extreme weather conditions.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
