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

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.