Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has forecast a drop in temperatures across several regions of the Kingdom starting Wednesday, with subzero readings expected in northern and central areas through Saturday, January 14–17.

According to the NCM, the cold wave will initially affect the Tabuk, Al-Jawf, Northern Borders, and Hail regions, along with the northern parts of the Madinah region, beginning Wednesday and continuing through the end of the week.

Minimum temperatures in these areas are forecast to range between −3°C and −1°C, with freezing conditions likely during nighttime and early morning hours.

The center said the cold air mass is expected to expand southward on Friday and Saturday, bringing lower temperatures to the Qassim region, northern parts of the Eastern Province, and Riyadh.

In these areas, minimum temperatures are expected to range from −4°C to 1°C, marking particularly cold conditions for this time of year.

The forecast follows several recent weather advisories issued by the NCM, including alerts for rainfall and colder-than-usual conditions coinciding with the mid-school-year break.

The NCM urged residents in affected regions to take necessary precautions against low temperatures, especially overnight, and to remain alert by following official updates through the center’s platforms as weather conditions evolve.