Severe weather conditions are gripping Saudi Arabia as the National Center of Meteorology (NCM) predicts significant drops in temperatures and the possibility of winter storms across the region. Forecasts for Thursday, December 19, 2024, indicate cold to severely cold weather affecting northern areas, with experts from the NCM expressing the potential for snow at higher elevations.
According to the NCM,
"توقع المركز الوطني للأرصاد في تقريره عن حالة الطقس لهذا اليوم - بمشيئة الله تعالى - طقس بارد إلى شديد البرودة على أجزاء من شمال المملكة" (This translates to: "The National Center for Meteorology expects cold to severe cold weather over parts of northern Saudi Arabia.") This severe weather forecast means cold temperatures will likely extend across substantial parts of the northern regions including Al-Jawf, Northern Borders, and Tabuk, where wintry conditions are not just suggested but almost assured.
The northern regions are expected to experience snow, particularly on elevated areas like Mount Lawz, Alaqan, and Al-Dhar, where light snow may arrive overnight. The NCM has cautioned residents about possible road visibility reductions due to fog forming across these northern and elevated areas.
While the north braces for the cold, the NCM reports other regions will also feel the effects of this erratic weather. On Thursday, rainfall is expected across parts of Makkah and Madinah, characterized as thunderstorms with moderate to light intensity, accompanied by gusty winds stirring dust and reducing visibility.
The forecast isn’t just limited to rain and cold; weather conditions are set to shift markedly. For example, the temperature is projected to be as cold as 0 degrees Celsius overnight, compelling residents to bundle up and stay indoors where heating is available.
Forecast temperatures reveal extremes, with maximum highs expected to hover around 32 degrees Celsius in Makkah and considerably lower marks of 14 degrees Celsius down to the freezing point at night within colder regions. The NCM highlighted, "كما تكون الفرصة مهيأة لتشكل الضباب على أجزاء من تلك المناطق" (Translated: "There is also potential for fog formation across parts of these areas") which will remain pertinent as daytime transitions to colder nights.
Wind patterns foresee from the Red Sea winds rising at speeds from 15-35 km/h, complicative conditions are also compounded with rising waves from half to one-and-a-half meters, and occasionally exceeding two-and-a-half meters when storms arrive.
According to additional reports, upper regions are not the only ones affected; Southern and western parts can expect fog as well as some showers. This mixture of atmospheric disturbances is being closely monitored as residents prepare to face the elements.
Considering the impact of heavy rains, winter storms can often invigorate agriculture throughout the kingdom. Many farmers rely on seasonal rainfall to replenish ground moisture and sustain their crops through the harsher months. So, amid caution and care against the harsher weather effects, there remains gratitude for the potential life-giving precipitation.
Finally, locals are advised to take precautions during travel. Drivers are advised to remain cautious when heading out during the chilly morning hours, particularly when fog blankets roads and areas prone to lower visibility. This extreme weather presents risks but also opportunities, reminding Saudis of the winter’s significance and beauty.
Conclusively, today’s weather forecast unveils the diverse climatic patterns characteristic of Saudi winters. Between the cold embrace of snow at the north and the rumbling of thunderstorms to the south, this weather is both anticipated and acknowledged, calling for preparation across the kingdom.
