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RIYADH: The Tabuk region in northwestern Saudi Arabia experienced a sharp drop in temperatures with the mercury level nosediving to below zero in the early hours on Friday, particularly in open desert areas, where ice formed on water ponds and basins.

The phenomenon underscores the impact of the polar wave on the region, which often faces harsh cold waves during winter due to polar air masses from northern Europe.

Consequently, temperatures have significantly dropped to the sub-zero with the winter landscapes continuing to be an integral aspect of the seasonal character of the Tabuk region.

The National Center for Meteorology has forecast cold to very cold temperatures in the Northern Borders, Al-Jouf, Hail, and Tabuk regions, as well as the northern parts of Madinah region, with a possibility of frost in some of these regions.

The NCM has also predicted the possibility of fog formation in parts of Jazan, Aseer, Al-Baha and Makkah regions.

An intense sandstorm engulfed several areas in Saudi Arabia on Friday as the NCM had forecast, dust-stirring winds with low temperatures in the Qassim, Riyadh, and Eastern regions as well as parts of Najran.

The sandstorm gripped Riyadh, enveloping the Saudi capital’s skyline with gray haze on Friday morning, hampering visibility due to the widespread dust, and forcing authorities to issue a weather warning.

The traffic department has advised motorists to drive slowly and exercise restraint.

A speeding BMW car was seen upturned after it rammed into a roadside fence near Takhassusi Street on Makkah road on Friday afternoon. Riyadh police rushed to the site and were seen providing assistance.

The General Directorate of Civil Defense has advised residents to avoid going to outskirt spots to avoid accidents during the sandstorm.

Abdul Ghaffar, a Riyadh resident, told Arab News: “Friday being (the) weekend, we had an outing plan with family for a barbeque party at Wadi Namar, but the sandstorm that enveloped the city and its outskirts in gray haze this morning has forced us to change the plan, and we decided to remain indoors instead.”

RIYADH: The Al-Baha region in southwest Saudi Arabia features a rich tapestry of archaeological sites and historic structures that span various eras, highlighting the area’s deep cultural heritage. 

These landmarks not only preserve the region’s historical legacy but also serve as enduring symbols of its vibrant past. 

Among the most notable are Al-Qara Hill and the oratory of Shada Al-Ala Mountain.

The oratory of Shada Al-Ala Mountain is atop Jabal Shada in Al-Makhwah Governorate, occupying an area of about 9 sq. meters, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

Built along the entire perimeter of the mountain’s peak, it rises more than 2,200 meters above sea level, requiring an arduous four-hour trek from the nearest village to reach it. 

Despite its isolation, the oratory has remarkably preserved its four walls, although its roof has collapsed and remains unrestorable due to the site’s extreme inaccessibility and the rugged terrain leading to it.

During a visit to Shada Al-Ala Mountain, an SPA correspondent met with researcher Saeed Al-Shadwi, who elaborated on the historical significance of Mount Shada and Shadwan as prominent geographical landmarks. 

He highlighted their presence in numerous glossaries, historical records and poetic works dating back to the sixth century.

Al-Shadwi noted that the white rock situated beneath the mountain to the northwest is a triangular formation commonly known as “Al-Marwa” and the summit is named “Qimmat Al-Marwa” after it, as referred to by the villagers. 

The Shada Al-Ala and Al-Asfal mountains are home to a wealth of historical sites and landmarks that date back thousands of years. Among them are ancient caves, rock inscriptions, the Shada Mountain Reserve, and the oratory. 

The region is also celebrated as the area where Shadawi coffee is cultivated.