Saudi Arabia: Unusually cold weather, possible sandstorms starting Dec. 6

Event

Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Meteorology and Environmental Protection forecasts that unusually cold temperatures will affect parts of the country beginning on Wednesday, December 6. Cold temperatures are expected in Ha'il, Al-Jouf, and Tabuk regions beginning on Wednesday night, and temperatures may plummet below 0°C (32°F) in these regions later in the week. Similarly cold temperatures are also anticipated in parts of the Northern Borders region and Eastern province beginning Thursday and lasting at least through the end of this week. High winds (over 45 km/h [28 mph] in some areas) will reportedly accompany the cold temperatures in the coming days, potentially leading to sandstorms and reduced visibility. Consequent transportation disruptions, including air and ground traffic disruptions, are possible in the coming days.

Context

According to Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Meteorology and Environmental Protection, the mean minimum temperature during the winter season (December through February) is 1.7°C (35°F) ​in Northern Borders region, 3.9°C (39°F) in Ha'il region, 4.2°C (39.6°F) in Al-Jouf region, 4.4°C (40°F) in Tabuk region, and 8.6°C (47°F) in Eastern province.

Advice

All those present in Saudi Arabia are advised to confirm travel reservations and monitor developments to the situation via weather forecasts.