Possible sub-zero temperatures in Saudi Arabia start this week
Bundle up
Brace for impact as the third cold wave in Saudi Arabia is about to hit later this week. This means we’re welcoming 2026 with a bang (in this case, “bang” is the noise your window is going to make when you shut it).
Set to begin on Wednesday December 31, the cold wave will be affecting several regions of the Kingdom on Wednesday and Thursday. According to the National Centre for Meteorology, temperatures are expected to drop sharply across parts of the Al-Jouf, Northern Borders, Hail, Qassim, and Riyadh regions. Per Saudi Gazette, minimum temperatures will range between 3 degrees and -1 degrees.
الإنذار الأصفر – #منطقة_الرياض – #الدوادمي #عفيف
للتفاصيل https://t.co/CumESoDZKP #الإنذار_المبكر #طقس_السعودية#المركز_الوطني_للأرصاد pic.twitter.com/q58gBxWgtM
— المركز الوطني للأرصاد (NCM) (@NCMKSA) December 28, 2025
The first cold wave, which struck in mid-December, brought unusually cold conditions and snowfall to parts of the Kingdom, notably Hail and Tabuk. For the third cold wave in Saudi Arabia, the National Centre for Meteorology has urged residents in affected areas to take necessary precautions, particularly during early morning and nighttime hours, as cold conditions intensify.
Authorities said they will be continuing to closely monitor weather developments and have also advised the public to follow official updates and safety guidance.
Previous weather alerts
Just two weeks ago, there was an active red weather alert in Riyadh and the Eastern Province, as well as open areas and highways, including heavy rain along with accompanying conditions like strong winds, zero horizontal visibility, hail, flash floods, and thunderstorms. Weather conditions in Riyadh and the Eastern Province during those days were actually so unstable that the two cities had to turn to remote learning for university and school classes. The move came as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students and staff. All classes were conducted remotely through the Madrasati platform.
Just this month, the country also went through six days of turbulent weather in Makkah, Jeddah, Al-Kamil, Al-Jumum, Taif, Maysan, Adham, Rabigh, Khulais, Buhra, Al-Lith, Al-Qunfudhah, Al-Ardiyat, Turbah, Al-Muwaih, and Al-Khurmah.
