Cold snap expected to hit Saudi Arabia next week

Cairo: A cold wave is expected next week in several parts of Saudi Arabia, according to a weather forecaster.

Weather analyst at the Saudi National Centre for Meteorology (NCM) Aqil Al Aqil, has anticipated a drop in temperatures next week in several Saudi regions.

Starting on Saturday, there will be a noticeable activity of winds in the north-western region of Tabuk, the Northern Borders, and Al Jawf in the north, he told Saudi television Al Ekhbariya. These winds will stretch to affect the Eastern Province for the rest of the week.

This weather condition will be accompanied by a significant drop in temperatures starting from Sunday and Monday, likely to peak on Tuesday and Wednesday in the northern, north-western, eastern, and central regions of the kingdom, according to the expert.

Temperatures may dip below zero degrees Celsius, especially in the northern areas of the kingdom.

Al Aqil said temperatures may range between zero and two degrees Celsius in the Riyadh region.

NCM has forecast moderate thunderstorms accompanied by hail and active winds on Thursday in Riyadh and the Eastern Province.

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has advised farmers to take preventive measures to protect crops from cold waves and frost that may affect some areas, especially Riyadh, the Eastern Province, Qassim, Ha’il, and the Northern Borders.

To avoid losses, peasants are recommended to protect crops from cold and strong winds with plastic covers and support little trees to avoid them breaking due to gusty winds.