The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an important alert today for residents of the Eastern Province, warning of weather conditions requiring caution. The alert covers the cities of Dammam and Dhahran, as well as a number of key governorates including Khobar, Jubail, Ras Tanura, Qatif, Abqaiq, Al-Ahsa, and others. These warnings are part of the ongoing monitoring of weather conditions to ensure the safety of citizens and residents.
Weather details for the Eastern Province
The center explained that the region is experiencing active winds with speeds ranging from 40 to 49 kilometers per hour. These winds are not merely passing air currents; their direct effects have stirred up dust and sand, especially in open areas and on highways connecting the cities of the Eastern Province with the rest of the Kingdom. This has led to a significant decrease in horizontal visibility, dropping to between 3 and 5 kilometers, posing a challenge for drivers. The center indicated that this weather condition will continue, God willing, until 6:00 PM today.
Weather variations: rain in the west and hail in the north
In a related context, the weather fluctuations are not limited to the Eastern Province but extend to most parts of the Kingdom, reflecting Saudi Arabia's significant geographical and climatic diversity. In its weather report for Monday, the National Center for Meteorology predicted thunderstorms accompanied by active winds in parts of the Al-Baha and Makkah regions. This weather pattern is also expected to extend to the southern parts of the Madinah highlands, bringing rainy winter weather to those areas.
In stark contrast, a cold air mass is dominating the northern regions, where cold to very cold weather persists in parts of Hail, Al-Jawf, and the Northern Borders, extending to the northern parts of the Eastern Province. These conditions necessitate wearing heavy winter clothing and taking precautions against catching a cold.
The importance of warnings and their impact on public safety
These warnings are of paramount importance given the geographical nature of the Eastern Province, which includes a vital highway network and major industrial centers. Active dust-laden winds could negatively impact land and sea traffic, requiring motorists on highways such as the Dammam-Riyadh or Jubail roads to adhere to speed limits and maintain safe distances. Those with respiratory conditions and asthma are also advised to avoid direct exposure to dust during this period.
Active winds stirring up dust and sand continue to affect parts of the Tabuk, Madinah and Makkah regions, and extend to the eastern parts of the southwestern highlands of the Kingdom, which confirms the need to follow official weather bulletins periodically to avoid any potential risks.
