Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — Several regions across Saudi Arabia recorded a sharp drop in temperatures, catching some travelers by surprise, particularly those arriving from warmer coastal cities such as Jeddah.

While Jeddah registered the highest temperature nationwide at 30°C, northern and central areas experienced near-freezing conditions.

Temperatures fell to around 2°C in Tabuk, Turaif, Qurayyat, Dawadmi and Taif, while Sakaka and Hail recorded about 3°C. Buraidah, Bisha and Rafha saw temperatures near 4°C, underscoring the stark contrast in weather conditions across the Kingdom. Cooler temperatures are expected to persist in the coming days.

Milder weather prevailed in other parts of the country.

Makkah recorded 29°C, Jazan 28°C, Yanbu 24°C, and Madinah, Al-Kharj and Wadi Al-Dawasir about 19°C.

Riyadh and Al-Baha saw temperatures around 15°C, while Abha, Hail and Al-Soudah recorded roughly 12°C.

Weather forecasts indicate continued atmospheric instability across several regions, with the possibility of rain, thunderstorms, lightning, hail and strong surface winds over the coming days.

Meteorologists say similar patterns are common during seasonal transitions, particularly in winter, when central, northern, western and southwestern regions often experience fluctuating conditions.

The cold spell also highlights the diversity of Saudi Arabia’s climate, which ranges from humid coastal conditions along the Red Sea to cooler mountainous weather in the southwest and colder winters in northern and elevated areas.