The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) highlighted the extreme cold wave of January 1992, which lasted for seven days and recorded the lowest temperature of -9.3°C in Hail on January 5.
Jeddah, January 3, 2025 – The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has provided significant insight into one of the most severe cold waves in Saudi Arabia's history, which occurred in January 1992. According to the NCM, this cold wave, which spanned a continuous seven-day period, marked a record-breaking event in the Kingdom’s climate history. The cold snap was particularly severe in the northern regions, with the Hail station recording the lowest temperature of -9.3°C on January 5, 1992. During this extreme weather period, the average minimum temperature across the affected days in the region reached -4.4°C, further highlighting the intensity of the cold.
The NCM’s data analysis from 1985 to 2023 reveals that Hail and Al-Qurayyat stations consistently experience some of the lowest recorded minimum temperatures in the Kingdom during the winter months. These regions have become focal points for the strong cold waves that frequently affect the Kingdom, with temperatures dipping significantly below freezing.
This historical context underscores the Kingdom's vulnerability to extreme climatic conditions, particularly during the winter season. The NCM continues to stress the importance of staying informed through its weather updates, as such cold waves can have substantial impacts on daily life. The center also reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to meticulously documenting and analyzing climatic data, ensuring that it provides accurate, reliable meteorological services. These services play a critical role in safeguarding lives and property, supporting various sectors in the Kingdom, and contributing to national objectives aimed at managing the challenges posed by extreme weather phenomena.