RIYADH: Cold is gripping northern regions in Saudi Arabia, with the mercury level in some parts of the Kingdom dipping to freezing.
The National Center for Meteorology issued a forecast on Tuesday predicting a significant drop in temperatures in several regions.
Tabuk, Jouf, the Northern Borders, Hail, and northern parts of the Eastern Province are expected to experience exceptionally cold weather on Wednesday and Thursday.
Minimum temperatures are predicted between zero and 3 C. Frost may form in parts of the regions affected, and in the highlands of Tabuk.
Gusty winds are expected to blow and rainfall is expected in parts of Makkah. Fog may form in parts of Makkah, Jazan, Asir, and the Baha region.
The center urged residents where cold conditions prevail to closely monitor weather updates by the center and comply with the safety guidelines issued by the relevant authorities.
The wave of cold conditions has prompted education authorities to delay the start of the school day in several areas.
Education authorities in Qurayyat governorate have decided to put off the start of classes to 9 a.m., and authorities in Tabuk have likewise changed to that start time.
Authorities have suspended school assembly in the Hail region, with the school day now scheduled to begin at 7:45 a.m. until further notice due to the cold conditions.
The Ministry of Education in the Eastern Province has also taken steps out of concern for the safety of students and all school staff with the school day now starting at 7:30 a.m.
In addition, the ministry’s Eastern Province branch posted on X: “Dear student: Make sure to wear heavy winter clothing to protect yourself from the cold.”
