The city of Tarif, in the Northern Borders region, recorded the lowest temperature today among all cities and provinces in Saudi Arabia, reaching only 2 degrees Celsius, according to the official report issued by the National Center for Meteorology. This significant drop further solidifies the city's position as one of the coldest areas in the country during winter.

Geographical location and its impact on the climate of Tarif

The province of Tarif has a unique climate due to its strategic geographical location in the far north of the Kingdom. Situated at high altitudes, it serves as a major corridor for cold air masses originating from the Levant and Europe, and occasionally for polar Siberian waves. This location makes it consistently susceptible to very low temperatures compared to other regions of the Kingdom, and it is often the first stop for severe cold waves that subsequently affect the central and eastern regions.

A curious history with waves of cold and frost

Historically, Tarif's record-breaking low temperature is not a rare occurrence, but rather part of the region's typical climate pattern. In previous winters, the province has been accustomed to recording temperatures of zero and below zero degrees Celsius, often resulting in frost and snowfall that blanket the ground in white, attracting weather enthusiasts and photographers to document these exceptional winter conditions in a desert environment.

Rain forecast and general weather conditions

In a related development concerning the general weather conditions in the Kingdom, the National Center for Meteorology's report not only noted the low temperatures but also included forecasts of light to moderate thunderstorms. The report indicated that these storms may be accompanied by hail and strong winds that could reduce horizontal visibility in several regions of the Kingdom, necessitating caution from citizens, residents, and highway users.

The importance of following official warnings

These weather fluctuations underscore the importance of regularly monitoring weather forecasts issued by official authorities. Experts consistently emphasize the need to adhere to safety guidelines during these cold spells, particularly regarding the safe use of heating appliances to prevent suffocation or fires, as well as wearing warm winter clothing to protect children and the elderly from severe colds that can result from such a significant drop in temperature.

The General Authority for Roads announced the issuance of more than 5,500 permits to regulate work on the road network in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during February 2026, as part of its ongoing efforts to raise the efficiency of planning and operation and ensure the application of the highest standards of safety and quality on roads, in line with the strategic objectives of the roads sector.

Details of issued permits and performance figures

Official statistics released by the authority revealed that a total of 5,511 permits of various types were issued during February. Permits for exceptional loads accounted for the largest share of these, totaling 5,082, reflecting the growing logistical activity and active transport traffic on the Kingdom's roads.

Regarding construction and service works, the Authority issued 237 permits for excavation work, in addition to 3 permits for extending excavation periods, while it received and processed 189 clearance requests. These precise figures confirm the Authority's commitment to regulating all work carried out within the road right-of-way to ensure that traffic flow and infrastructure are not affected.

Enhancing safety and quality of life

The General Authority for Roads clarified that these regulatory procedures are not solely aimed at issuing permits, but are an integral part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance road safety outside urban areas. Through this mechanism, the Authority is working to streamline the process for beneficiaries, including companies and contractors, while ensuring their adherence to technical standards that preserve assets and extend the lifespan of roads.

These efforts are in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which pays great attention to the transport and logistics sector, as the quality of roads is a fundamental pillar for promoting economic development and connecting the different regions of the Kingdom.

Ambitious targets and global indicators

The General Authority for Roads is steadily working towards achieving the strategic goals of the roads sector, which include world-class ambitions. Among these goals is achieving sixth place globally in the road quality index, which requires continuous work in maintenance, operation, and regulation.

The Authority also has a lofty humanitarian goal of reducing traffic fatalities to less than 5 per 100,000 people. To achieve this, the Authority relies on implementing traffic safety factors according to the International Road Assessment Programme (IRAP) classification, ensuring a safe and sustainable road network capable of accommodating increasing traffic volume and supporting the comprehensive development the country is witnessing.