Chilly Polar Wave Hits Tabuk Amid Sandstorm Warnings in Saudi Arabia
Tabuk, Saudi Arabia has experienced a polar wave causing significant temperature drops below zero. The National Center for Meteorology forecasts ongoing cold and possible frost in northern regions, while a sandstorm has swept through large areas, including Riyadh. Alerts for reduced visibility have been issued, impacting daily plans and safety concerns among residents.
The Tabuk region in northwestern Saudi Arabia has seen temperatures plummet below zero due to an Arctic cold wave. This phenomenon, characteristic of winter, is attributed to polar air masses sweeping in from northern Europe, freezing water ponds and creating icy landscapes, particularly in the open desert areas.
The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has issued forecasts indicating continued cold to very cold conditions in the Northern Borders, Al-Jouf, Hail, and Tabuk, along with potential frost in some regions. Additionally, areas in the northern parts of Madinah can expect similar weather, accompanied by fog formation in Jazan, Aseer, Al-Baha, and Makkah.
On Friday, a severe sandstorm impacted various Saudi Arabian areas, particularly Qassim, Riyadh, and the Eastern region. The storm, along with dust-stirring winds, led to low visibility across Riyadh, prompting local authorities to warn motorists to drive cautiously. An incident involving an overturned BMW was reported as a direct consequence of the hazardous conditions.
Residents were urged by the General Directorate of Civil Defense to refrain from traveling to outskirt locations to prevent accidents amid the sandstorm. One local resident mentioned how family outing plans were disrupted due to the stormy weather, highlighting the day-to-day impact of such adverse weather conditions.
Saudi Arabia, particularly the northern regions, frequently experiences drastic weather changes due to polar air masses resulting in cold waves during winter months. The interplay of geography and climate causes unique phenomena like frost and sandstorms, which can significantly affect daily life and activities in the region. The authorities actively monitor weather conditions and issue warnings to keep residents informed and safe during these occurrences.
The Tabuk region’s recent severe cold snap and corresponding sandstorm illustrate the impact of polar weather patterns in Saudi Arabia. The NCM’s forecasts highlight the importance of awareness regarding temperature fluctuations and visibility impairments due to dust. Consequently, such weather events can disrupt daily activities, as underscored by the feedback from local residents.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
