Saudis warned to prepare for big freeze with temperatures set to plummet

Parts of Saudi Arabia were blanketed by snow last month, especially in the northwestern regions such as the Dahr Mountains. (File/Al-Ekhbariya)

• Temperatures are expected to reach zero degrees and below. 
• Parts of Saudi Arabia were covered in a blanket of snow on Jan. 10

RIYADH: Weather warnings have been issued for most regions in Saudi Arabia, with temperatures expected to reach zero degrees and below. 
The General Authority of Meteorology and Environment said the freezing conditions would affect the Northern Border Region, Al-Jouf, Tabuk, and Hail, and will extend to the Qassim region and the northern parts of Riyadh, the Eastern Province and Madinah, as of Monday evening.
The General Directorate of Civil Defense called for people to make sure any heating they use is safe and well maintained. It also said charcoal and firewood should only be burned outdoors.
Parts of Saudi Arabia were covered in a blanket of snow last month when temperatures in the Kingdom plummeted.
The deserts around Tabuk had a thick layer of snow, drawing in visitors and tourists to enjoy the rare winter wonderland.