Saudi Arabia is set to be hit by the coldest, deepest and strongest low-pressure system since the start of winter, beginning from Monday, according to the National Centre for Meteorology (NCM).

The centre forecast cold conditions at night and in the early morning hours across the northern regions and the southwestern highlands from today until January 17, with the possibility of fog and frost forming in parts of these areas.

It added that rainfall is expected towards the end of this week in parts of Tabuk, Al Jouf, the Northern Borders, Hail, Makkah and Madinah regions. These conditions may be accompanied by a further drop in temperatures and increased cloud cover.

The NCM also warned that surface winds could stir up dust and sand during the daytime in parts of Tabuk, Al Jouf, the Northern Borders, Hail, Makkah and Madinah, with the effects extending to the Qassim, Riyadh and Eastern Province regions. This could lead to reduced horizontal visibility.

The centre urged citizens and residents to take necessary precautions and to closely follow weather updates and warnings, particularly in areas expected to be affected by the system. It also stressed the importance of monitoring its daily reports through its official website and verified social media channels.

GN

Temperatures are expected to continue falling across several regions of Saudi Arabia, accompanied by active winds, as a cold wave intensifies over large parts of the Kingdom, according to the National Centre for Meteorology.

The centre said the temperature drop will affect a wide range of areas, including Makkah and Madinah, Tabuk, Al Jouf, the Northern Borders, Hail, Al Qassim, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, warning residents to brace for colder conditions in the coming days.

Parts of northwestern Tabuk witnessed a sharp drop in temperatures early on Sunday, particularly in open areas and elevated terrain. Frost was observed forming in exposed locations as the cold wave continued to impact the northern regions of the Kingdom.

 Forecasters said temperatures are expected to decline further in Tabuk, accompanied by active winds that may increase the chill factor, while cold conditions are set to persist across affected regions over the next few days.

The centre noted that several governorates recorded the lowest temperatures in the Kingdom on Sunday. Arar, Qurayyat and Turaif each registered zero degrees Celsius, marking the coldest readings nationwide.

Meanwhile, temperatures in Rafha fell to three degrees Celsius, while Sakaka recorded four degrees Celsius, placing both areas among the coldest locations in Saudi Arabia during the ongoing cold spell.

Authorities have advised residents, particularly in northern regions, to take precautions against the cold, especially during early morning and night hours, as low temperatures and strong winds continue to prevail.

Story by Gulf News

Scattered rainfall is expected to continue affecting several parts of the UAE as the country heads into New Year’s Eve, bringing cooler temperatures, strong winds and hazardous sea conditions, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM).

Further cooling is expected today, New Year’s Eve, with fair to partly cloudy skies and periods of low cloud over islands and some coastal and northern areas. Humidity will increase overnight, raising the likelihood of light fog or mist forming over some inland areas by Thursday morning.

The unsettled conditions have been accompanied by a noticeable drop in temperatures and reduced visibility in parts of the northern and eastern regions, as strong north-westerly winds continue to raise dust and sand. Wind speeds have reached up to 40 kilometres per hour and may strengthen further at times.

Sea conditions are expected to remain rough to very rough through New Year’s Eve. Wave heights have reached up to six feet in the Sea of Oman and are forecast to rise to around seven feet in the Arabian Gulf by Wednesday evening.

On Thursday, weather conditions are forecast to stabilise slightly, with fair to partly cloudy skies and lighter winds overall. Humidity will remain high at night and into Friday morning, with a continued chance of fog or mist in some coastal and internal areas. Sea conditions are expected to ease, becoming moderate to slight.

By Friday, skies are expected to remain fair to partly cloudy, with a slight rise in temperatures. Winds will be light to moderate, freshening at times, while sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf are forecast to become gradually rough by nightfall.

The NCM has urged residents and maritime users to exercise caution, avoid swimming and diving, and suspend marine activities during periods of rough seas.

 Story by Gulf News