Turaif, 4 Ramadan 1447 AH (21 February 2026)

The Northern Borders Region is experiencing a marked drop in temperatures with the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan this year. Turaif Governorate recorded 4°C, Arar 9°C and Rafha 10°C, according to data from the National Center for Meteorology.

The cold weather is expected to continue until the end of the holy month, with temperatures forecast to drop to zero, since Ramadan this year coincides with late winter, making it colder than in past years when the holy month fell in milder seasons.

A number of observers of the astronomical seasons noted that Ramadan will remain in winter until 1454 AH, then move to autumn from 1455 to 1462 AH, before falling in summer from 1463 to 1471 AH, in a cycle reflecting the moving nature of the Hijri calendar.

The cold weather has taken many of the region's residents, especially the elderly, back more than three decades to when Ramadan fell in winter between 1413 and 1420 AH, recalling the warmth of iftar and family gatherings after a relatively short day of fasting.

Residents speak with fondness of the moment they heard the boom of the iftar cannon announcing sunset, in a Ramadan scene tied to the bitter cold and the warmth of the majlis. The short daylight hours shortened the fast and gave the fasting longer hours for iftar and worship, keeping the memories of "winter Ramadan" alive in the hearts of the region's people to this day.

At a Glance

  • Turaif: 4°C
  • Arar: 9°C
  • Rafha: 10°C
  • Ramadan remains in winter until 1454 AH