weather

Saudi Arabia: Historic -10°C in Hail, snowfall in Tabuk

Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology (NCM) reported that the lowest temperature ever recorded in the Kingdom during the winter season reached minus 10°C in Hail on 16 January 2008, according to the Saudi Gazette. Winter temperature review 1985–2025

The NCM, in a statistical report posted on social media, examined winter minimum temperatures and frost patterns across Saudi Arabia from 1985 to 2025, covering December, January, and February.

Qurayyat in the Al-Jouf region recorded the second-lowest temperature at minus 9°C in January 2008, while Turaif in the Northern Borders experienced minus 8°C on multiple occasions. Al-Jouf city also saw temperatures drop to minus 7°C in February 1989.

Other cities experienced sub-zero temperatures as follows: Arar –6.3°C, Rafha –5.8°C, Riyadh –5.4°C, Buraidah –5°C, Qassim –4.2°C, Tabuk –4°C, Al-Ahsa –2.3°C, Wadi Al-Dawasir –2°C, Taif –1.5°C, Bisha –1°C, recorded across different years in the study period. The NCM noted that 2008 was among the coldest years on record, with multiple cities recording historic lows.

Cities with most frost days

The report also ranked the top 10 cities by frost days between 1985 and 2025:

Turaif: 720 days
Qurayyat: 588 days
Hail: 339 days
Arar: 277 days
Rafha: 197 days
Sakaka: 185 days
Tabuk: 139 days
Buraidah: 83 days
Al-Qaisumah: 71 days
Riyadh: 46 days

The NCM said the findings support long-term climate research, document historical trends, and raise public awareness about the Kingdom’s diverse climatic conditions.

Weather update: storms and winds continue

The NCM has forecast thunderstorms with hail showers and active winds affecting parts of Jazan, Aseer, Al-Baha, Makkah, Riyadh, Qassim, Eastern Region, Northern Borders, and Al-Jouf.

Fog is also expected in parts of Madinah and Hail regions.

Red Sea: Northern and central winds at 15–45 km/h; southern winds 12–32 km/h; waves 0.5–2 meters; moderate sea conditions.
Arabian Gulf: Southeasterly to northeasterly winds 10–20 km/h, increasing to 15–40 km/h in the afternoon, reaching 50 km/h with rain-bearing clouds; waves 0.5–1.5 meters, exceeding 2 meters with thunderstorms; sea slight to rough with clouds.

Winter boosts ecotourism in Northern Borders

Winter in the Northern Borders region attracts growing numbers of nature enthusiasts. Rainfall and cold temperatures rejuvenate valleys, plains, and vegetation, creating breathtaking natural landscapes.

Tourists engage in hiking, camping, and observing natural phenomena, making winter a key season for ecotourism. Authorities stress safety and preservation of natural sites to maintain sustainable tourism.

Heavy rain in Hail region

Moderate to heavy rain, accompanied by hail, fell across several governorates and villages in Hail. Valleys and streams overflowed, with forecasts indicating more rain in the coming days.

Story by Gulf News

UAE

3 days of rain expected from Tuesday

The UAE is expected to see rainfall from Tuesday through Thursday, accompanied by fog, mist and a drop in temperatures later in the week, the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) said.

The forecaster said convective clouds are expected to develop from Tuesday afternoon, bringing showers to parts of the country, particularly in eastern areas, while humid conditions could lead to fog or mist formation in some coastal and inland regions.

Weather on Monday is forecast to remain generally fair, with clouds appearing over eastern areas. Humidity is expected to increase overnight and into Tuesday morning, especially in western coastal and inland areas, raising the likelihood of fog and mist.

On Tuesday, skies will be fair to partly cloudy, with convective cloud build-up and rainfall expected during the afternoon. Similar conditions are forecast on Wednesday, when rain-bearing clouds are again likely to form over eastern regions.

The NCM said temperatures are expected to fall on Thursday, particularly in western parts of the country. Fresh north-westerly winds could also generate blowing dust in exposed areas, while sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf may become moderate and occasionally rough, especially in western waters.

Winds throughout the period are expected to range between 10 and 25 kph, with gusts reaching up to 40 kph in some areas.

weather

UAE temperatures to hit 46°C

The UAE is set for another hot day on Friday, with temperatures expected to climb to as high as 46°C in inland areas, while generally fair conditions prevail across the country, according to the National Center of Meteorology (NCM).

The weather forecast indicates clear to partly fair skies for most regions, with humid conditions developing overnight and into Saturday morning across some western coastal areas. Light to moderate winds are expected from the southeast to northeast, occasionally reaching speeds of up to 30 km/h.

Daytime temperatures are forecast to range between 40°C and 46°C inland, 37°C to 43°C along coastal and island areas, and 31°C to 36°C in mountainous regions. The Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea are expected to remain relatively calm.

In the coming week, the weather is expected to remain largely stable through early next week, although humidity levels are likely to increase during the night and early morning hours, raising the possibility of mist or fog formation in some coastal and inland areas.

On Saturday, fair conditions will continue, with northwesterly winds strengthening at times and reaching up to 40 km/h. Sea conditions may become slight to moderate in the Arabian Gulf.

By Sunday and Monday, partly cloudy skies are expected at times over eastern regions, while humid conditions persist overnight and during the early morning. Winds will remain generally light to moderate, occasionally freshening and reaching up to 35 km/h.

On Tuesday, cloud cover is expected to increase over eastern areas during the afternoon, while the chance of mist formation remains in some coastal locations by Wednesday morning. Temperatures will remain seasonally high, with generally calm to moderate sea conditions continuing across both the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea.

weather

Saudi forecaster warns temperatures could hit 50°C

Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology warned that temperatures in the Kingdom’s Eastern Province could reach 50°C today as a heatwave continues to affect the region ahead of the Eid Al Adha holiday.

Hussein Al Qahtani, NCM spokesperson, said the hot weather conditions were expected to persist until Friday, with forecast temperatures ranging between 47°C and 50°C in several governorates across the Eastern Province.

The warning comes as millions of Muslims prepare for Eid Al Adha and the Hajj pilgrimage season, during which Saudi authorities have repeatedly urged residents and pilgrims to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and extreme heat.

Al Qahtani called on the public to follow guidance issued by relevant authorities and monitor official weather updates during the holiday period.

Saudi Arabia has intensified heat mitigation measures during this year’s Hajj season, including expanded shaded areas, misting systems and emergency medical preparedness at key pilgrimage sites.