JEDDAH — Saudi Arabia is set to experience a strong cold wave starting Saturday, January 3, 2026, with temperatures expected to fall below freezing in several regions, according to a warning issued by the National Center for Meteorology (NCM).
The NCM said the cold conditions will continue until Tuesday, January 6, affecting wide areas of the northern and central parts of the Kingdom. Minimum temperatures are forecast to range between 2°C and −2°C, particularly during early morning and nighttime hours.
Regions expected to be affected include Al-Jouf, Northern Borders, Tabuk, Hail, Qassim, Riyadh, and the northern parts of the Eastern Province.
Third Cold Wave of the Winter Season
This is the third cold wave recorded during the 2025–2026 winter season. The first occurred in mid-December and brought unusually low temperatures and snowfall to parts of Hail and Tabuk. A second wave on December 31 and January 1 saw temperatures drop to between 3°C and −1°C in several areas.
NCM spokesperson Hussein Al-Qahtani explained that cold waves typically enter the Kingdom from the north, making border cities such as Al Qurayyat, Turaif, and Sakaka the coldest locations.
He noted that the current system is driven by a polar air mass, bringing colder air, dense cloud cover, and gusty winds across affected regions.
Safety Warnings and Public Guidance
The NCM has urged residents to take precautions, especially during late-night and early-morning hours when temperatures are lowest.
Authorities advised:
- Extra care for children, elderly individuals, and people with health conditions
- Caution while driving, particularly in northern areas where frost may form on roads
- Checking heating appliances to avoid indoor safety risks
Drivers were also warned about wind-chill effects, which may make temperatures feel colder than actual readings.
Health facilities have been placed on alert for cold-related illnesses, while energy providers are monitoring electricity and heating fuel supply to ensure continuity during peak demand.
Residents are encouraged to follow official NCM channels for live updates and weather alerts.
How Cold Is This Compared to Past Winters?
While the current cold wave is notable, the NCM confirmed it is less severe than historical extremes.
In January 1992, temperatures in Hail dropped to −9.3°C, marking one of the coldest events recorded in the Kingdom. Al-Qahtani said a similar event is unlikely this season, with minimum temperatures expected to remain above −3°C.
Outlook for the Coming Weeks
Meteorologists expect additional cold spells during the remaining winter months, especially across northern, central, and western regions. Some systems may also bring rainfall, while snowfall remains a possibility on higher elevations such as Jebel Al-Lawz in Tabuk, though this is not yet confirmed.
Established in 2019 and headquartered in Jeddah, the National Center for Meteorology continues to monitor weather patterns through a nationwide observation network, providing early warnings to help protect lives and property.
As the cold wave approaches, authorities stress the importance of staying informed and taking simple precautions to stay safe during the winter conditions.
Last updated: January 3, 2026.
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