It was a severe cold wave that overtook Saudi Arabia, sending the temperature below zero in several regions. In the rare sight of a frozen Rafha fountain, icy winds went through the kingdom. The northern Borders area registered the most abysmal readings, with temperature in Turaif falling as low as -4°C and ranking among the lowest spells registered in recent memory.
Meteorologists have linked the unusual weather to a cold front advancing from Siberia, with frosty conditions engulfing some of the Gulf states. People living in the affected regions have been advised of frost, low visibility, and possible disruptions to routine. The government has asked citizens to exercise caution, particularly those living in the open desert where temperatures can become even lower due to gusts of wind.
The icy temperatures have set off mass responses on social media, with people posting pictures of icy landscapes and frozen water points. In Rafha, the view of the frozen fountain has been a sight symbolizing the uncommon winter chill hitting the kingdom. Some locations have also reported ice on vehicles and roads, for which local authorities have issued safety warnings.
Though Saudi Arabia sometimes sees cold temperatures in its northern parts, this cold snap is one of the strongest in decades. Weather forecasters anticipate that temperatures can stay abnormally low over the next few days before they start to ease as the cold wave recedes. Commuters and residents are encouraged to keep abreast of forecasts and dress warmly to fend off the freezing temperatures.
