Severe Cold Wave Hits Arab World: Warnings Issued for Snow, Flooding, and Crop Risks

The Arab world is experiencing an unprecedented cold wave stretching from Morocco in the west to Yemen and Oman in the east, driven by an influx of deep polar air and cold Siberian winds, according to global atmospheric pressure maps.
This cold wave represents more than just a temporary drop in temperatures; it poses risks to both urban and rural areas, affecting human life and agricultural production.

Syria: Maximum Alert Declared

In Syria, the Ministry of Emergency Situations has declared a maximum alert, warning that the cold wave will peak from Saturday night to Sunday, severely impacting the northwest and the island region, with moderate effects in the central highlands and coastal mountains, and less intensity in the south and steppe areas.
Warnings are particularly directed at displaced families in Idlib and rural Aleppo, who are living in open camps exposed to freezing temperatures. The Ministry of Agriculture has urged farmers to take urgent preventive measures to protect winter crops.

Jordan, Palestine, and Lebanon: Snow and Flooding Risks

In Jordan, the cold is accompanied by a level three atmospheric depression, bringing heavy rains and flooding, followed by a Siberian anticyclone that will introduce severe cold to agricultural areas.
In Palestine and Lebanon, concerns are rising over potential flooding in valleys, while snow may reach elevations of 1,300 meters in the Lebanese mountains, leading to road closures due to landslides and rockfalls.

Iraq, Maghreb, and Gulf: Frost and Cold Weather

Iraq is facing a second wave of polar weather, with snow and rain in the north, as residents struggle with inadequate heating and weak infrastructure.
In the Maghreb, Algerian forecasts warn of severe cold in eastern states, while Morocco has issued a red alert for winds reaching 100 km/h, particularly following recent flooding.
Gulf countries, accustomed to mild winters, are experiencing significant temperature drops, with very cold weather reported in Qatar and Bahrain, and dust storm warnings in Saudi Arabia and Oman.

Yemen: "Al-Dhareeb" Threatens Crops

The National Meteorological Center of Yemen has warned of "al-dhareeb," a nighttime frost that can kill crops and freeze irrigation water. In provinces like Dhamar and Al-Bayda, temperatures could drop to zero degrees Celsius, while Sanaa and Saada may see temperatures of one degree, threatening thousands of rural families who rely on agriculture for their livelihoods.

Safety Advisories

Arab authorities have urged citizens to:
- Stay indoors as much as possible
- Avoid mountainous roads and valleys
- Use heating methods safely
- Follow daily weather updates
The 2026 cold wave poses exceptional challenges for the Arab world regarding human safety, agricultural production, and infrastructure, necessitating the highest degree of caution and vigilance.