Is Saudi Arabia Really Heading for a Harsh Winter? Meteorology Center Clarifies

In recent days, rumors of an unusually harsh and extended winter in Saudi Arabia have been circulating across various media outlets, sparking widespread concern. But is the Kingdom really on the edge of a winter freeze? The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) has issued a clarification to dismiss these claims and provide a more accurate outlook for the upcoming season.

According to an official statement released on the NCM’s X (formerly Twitter) account, the speculations linking the expected winter to the “La Niña” phenomenon have been deemed inaccurate. The Center explained that these reports do not reflect the forecasted weather conditions for the upcoming winter season.

What’s the Real Forecast?

Contrary to the reports of a freezing winter, the NCM, in collaboration with the Regional Center for Climate Change, predicts a winter that will fall within the normal temperature range. While there may be a slight increase in temperatures—up to one degree Celsius in certain areas—the overall outlook suggests a typical Saudi winter, without the extreme cold that has been rumored.

A Call for Caution

In their statement, the NCM urged the public to seek accurate weather information from official sources, cautioning against relying on individual opinions or unverified media reports, which can cause unnecessary confusion. “We encourage everyone to exercise caution regarding what is published about the Kingdom’s climate and to rely on official sources for information,” the statement said.

This reminder comes as the climate conversation intensifies across the region, with many countries experiencing unusual weather patterns. However, in the case of Saudi Arabia, it seems that this winter will be business as usual, with only slight variations from the norm.

So, as temperatures begin to drop, rest assured—Saudi Arabia is not bracing for an unprecedented winter, but rather, a season within the familiar range of the Kingdom’s climate.