weather

Saudi Arabia cold wave drops temperatures to zero

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

weather

Thunderstorms to batter Saudi Arabia until Sunday

Thunderstorms of varying intensity are set to affect most regions of Saudi Arabia until Sunday, with warnings of heavy rain, strong winds and flash floods, the National Centre for Meteorology (NCM) said.

The NCM said the unstable weather will bring moderate to heavy rainfall across key regions, including Riyadh, Qassim, the Northern Borders and the Eastern Province, while Al Baha, Asir and Jazan are also expected to experience rainfall during the same period.

The storms will be accompanied by active downdrafts raising dust and sand, with wind speeds exceeding 60 km/h in some areas, as well as hail and high waves along coastal areas.

Authorities warned that the conditions could lead to reduced visibility and localised flooding, urging residents to exercise caution.

The NCM advised the public to follow official updates via its website and platforms, including the “Anwaa” application, and to adhere to safety instructions issued by relevant authorities to protect lives and property.

weather

Temperatures to dip across UAE on March 6

The National Centre of Meteorology has predicted a period of unsettled weather for tomorrow, with skies remaining partly cloudy to overcast at times.

Residents can expect a noticeable dip in temperatures with light rain anticipated during the morning hours, particularly across the islands and throughout various coastal and northern areas.

A significant feature of tomorrow’s forecast involves moderate to fresh north-westerly to south-westerly winds. These may strengthen at times, reaching speeds of up to 45 km/h, which could lead to blowing dust and sand.

Motorists and those with respiratory sensitivities should take necessary precautions due to potentially reduced visibility.

Conditions at sea are expected to be challenging for maritime activities. The Arabian Gulf: Waters will be rough, becoming very rough at times.

In the Sea of Oman, wave conditions are forecast to remain rough throughout the day.

UAE

UAE braces for heavy rain until Friday

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has announced that a rainy weather system will continue affecting the country until Friday night. The system, currently concentrated over the far western regions, has already brought heavy showers to scattered areas.

According to a statement, the rainfall is expected to reach Abu Dhabi between 1 am and 3 am on Friday, before spreading to Dubai, the northern coasts, and the southern interior, accompanied by heavy showers. By 4–5 am, the system will extend to the northern and eastern regions, including Al Ain, with continued heavy rainfall.

The NCM added that scattered rain clouds may form across the country, with rainfall varying from moderate to heavy at times, persisting through Friday night.