YEMEN — On January 3, 2025, temperatures in several mountainous provinces of Yemen dropped to unprecedented lows, marking a significant cold snap this winter, according to the National Meteorological Center.

In its daily report, reviewed by Barran Press,  the center projected that temperatures in the provinces of Amran, Al-Bayda, and Dhamar would fall to one degree below zero Celsius, while the capital, Sana’a, and Saada are expected to record zero degrees Celsius.

The meteorological office warned that mountainous areas would experience cold to extremely cold weather at night and in the early morning hours, affecting regions including Saada, western Al-Jawf, Amran, Sana’a, Dhamar, southern and western Marib, Al-Bayda, and parts of Ibb and Al-Dhale. The forecast indicated the potential for frost formation in these areas.

Temperatures are expected to remain relatively cold in the elevated regions of Hajjah, Al-Mahwit, Raymah, and Taiz, with the possibility of fog developing in scattered areas of Lahij, Taiz, Ibb, Raymah, and west Dhamar and Al-Mahwit.

Coastal areas are predicted to experience generally clear to partly cloudy weather, with active winds reaching speeds of up to 28 knots in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, southern Red Sea, Socotra Archipelago, and parts of the eastern coasts.

The center also noted that desert regions would likely see clear skies with cold to extremely cold conditions during the night and early morning, with moderate winds occasionally stirring up dust and sand.

In response to the extreme weather, the National Meteorological Center has warned residents in mountainous, inland, and desert areas to take precautions against the cold. Farmers are advised to protect their crops, and livestock herders are urged to ensure the safety of their animals.

Weather expert Khaled Al-Shatah, in a recent Facebook post, predicted that the peak of the temperature drop would occur early Saturday morning in the southern and desert regions of Al-Mahrah, Hadramawt, Shabwa, Marib, and Al-Jawf. He anticipates light frost formation in parts of northern Al-Mahrah and the southern and western highlands of Hadramawt and eastern Shabwa, with an increased likelihood of frost on Sunday and Monday.