Weather warnings in Saudi Arabia amid forecasts of snow and freezing temperatures

Authorities in Saudi Arabia warned on Tuesday that adverse weather conditions are expected to continue in most parts of the country until Friday, with snow and freezing temperatures forecast in some areas.

The National Center of Meteorology also warned of light-to-moderate rainfalls, dusty surface winds, and high waves amid the falling temperatures, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Light rain was expected in Asir region until Friday, and light-to-moderate rain in Jazan and Al-Baha regions, the center said. Light rain was forecast for Taif, Maysan, Adham and Al-Ardiyat until Thursday.

Light rain was also likely in Tabuk, Hafr Al-Batin, Al-Khafji, Al-Eis, AlUla, Yanbu and Khaybar on Thursday and Friday, and in the Northern Borders and Al-Jawf from Wednesday evening until Friday.

Dust-raising surface winds of 45 kilometers per hour or more were expected to hit Tabuk, Madinah, Makkah, Al-Jawf, Northern Borders and Hail regions, resulting in low visibility until Friday. The regions of Riyadh, Qassim and the Eastern Province can expect similar winds reaching 50 kph, with similar results.

The center said it expects waves of more than 2.5 meters in coastal areas of Tabuk, Madinah, Makkah, Asir and Jazan regions on Thursday and Friday.

Meanwhile, light snowfalls are expected on Thursday and Friday in Jabal Al-Lawz, also known as Almond Mountain, Alaqan and Al-Dhahr in Tabuk, as well as Al-Jawf and the Northern Borders regions.

Temperatures are forecast to fall to between 5 degrees Celsius and below zero in Tabuk, Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders, Hail, AlUla and Khaybar between Wednesday and Friday.

The center urged the public to check status updates online on its early-warning page, social media accounts and apps for the latest weather information, and to take care and follow any safety guidelines and instructions issued by authorities.