The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an important alert on Sunday regarding the expected weather conditions in the Madinah region, warning of significant activity in surface winds that may directly affect horizontal visibility and the safety of travel on external roads.
The Meteorology Department explained in its official statement that the weather conditions particularly affect the governorates of Al-Hanakiya and Al-Mahd, where active winds with speeds ranging from 40 to 49 kilometers per hour are expected. The effects of this weather system began at 9:00 AM this morning, Sunday, and are scheduled to continue until 6:00 PM, necessitating caution from citizens, residents, and those using highways.
Weather details and its effects
These strong winds typically stir up dust and sand, reducing horizontal visibility, especially in open areas and on highways connecting Medina to neighboring provinces. The National Center of Meteorology urged everyone to adhere to safety instructions and follow the center's official channels for continuous updates to ensure everyone's safety.
Geographical and climatic context of the region
The Medina region and its governorates are characterized by diverse geography, surrounded by mountains, valleys, and open desert areas. These areas are susceptible to seasonal weather fluctuations, especially during the transitional periods between seasons. Historically, the Al-Hanakiya and Al-Mahd areas experience surface winds that carry dust, a common occurrence in the Arabian Peninsula's climate. However, wind intensity varies depending on the prevailing weather systems.
The importance and impact of early warnings
These alerts are of paramount importance at both the local and regional levels, given Medina's status as a religious and tourist destination attracting visitors from around the world. The accuracy of these weather alerts plays a vital role in:
- Transport safety: It helps drivers of vehicles and heavy transport trucks on highways to take the necessary measures to avoid accidents resulting from lack of visibility.
- Public health: These warnings enable respiratory and asthma patients to take the necessary precautions and avoid direct exposure to dust.
- Logistics services: contribute to organizing traffic and outdoor events in accordance with the prevailing weather conditions.
This alert comes as part of the National Center for Meteorology’s ongoing efforts to enhance public safety, using the latest technologies to monitor and track weather phenomena, in line with the Kingdom’s goals of improving the quality of life and preserving lives and property.
