Extreme Cold Wave Hits Arab World, Prompting Warnings of Snow, Flooding, and Crop Risks

The Arab world is currently facing an unprecedented cold wave extending from Morocco in the west to Yemen and Oman in the east, driven by a deep polar air mass accompanied by cold, dry Siberian winds, according to global atmospheric pressure maps.
This cold wave is more than just a temporary temperature drop, as it impacts both urban and rural areas, posing potential risks to lives and agricultural production.

Syria: State of Maximum Alert

In Syria, the Ministry of Emergency Situations has declared a state of maximum alert, warning that the cold wave will peak early Saturday and Sunday, significantly affecting the northwest and island regions, with moderate impacts in the central mountains and coastal areas, while being less severe in the south and desert zones.
Warnings have been issued for displaced families in Idlib and the Aleppo countryside, who are living in open camps under extreme cold conditions. The Ministry of Agriculture has urged farmers to take urgent preventive measures to protect winter crops.

Jordan, Palestine, and Lebanon: Snow and Flooding

In Jordan, the cold is accompanied by a level three low-pressure system, bringing heavy rains and flash flooding, followed by a Siberian high-pressure system that will lead to severe frost in agricultural areas.
In Palestine and Lebanon, concerns are rising about potential flooding in valleys, while snow in the Lebanese mountains could reach elevations of 1,300 meters, causing road closures due to landslides and rockfalls.

Iraq, Maghreb, and Gulf: Frost and Extreme Weather

Iraq is experiencing a second wave of polar weather, with snow and rain affecting the north, while residents face heating shortages and weak infrastructure.
In the Maghreb, Algerian meteorological authorities are warning of a severe cold wave in the eastern provinces, while Morocco has issued a red alert for winds reaching speeds of up to 100 km/h, particularly following recent flooding.
Gulf countries, typically accustomed to mild winters, have recorded a significant drop in temperatures, with very cold weather reported in Qatar and Bahrain, alongside dust storm warnings in Saudi Arabia and Oman.

Yemen: "Al-Dhareeb" Threatens Crops

The National Meteorological Center of Yemen has issued warnings about "al-Dhareeb," a nighttime frost that can destroy crops and freeze irrigation water. In provinces such as Dhamar and Al-Bayda, temperatures may drop to zero degrees Celsius, while reaching one degree in Sana’a and Saada, threatening thousands of rural families who rely on agriculture for their livelihoods.

Calls for Safety

Arab authorities have urged citizens to:
stay home as much as possible
avoid mountainous roads and valleys
use heating methods safely
follow daily weather bulletins
The 2026 cold wave presents exceptional challenges for people, crops, and infrastructure across the Arab world, requiring the highest level of caution and vigilance.