The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an advanced warning regarding expected weather conditions in the Al-Jawf region, cautioning against the formation of dense fog that could lead to near-zero horizontal visibility in some governorates. This warning comes as part of the center's ongoing efforts to monitor weather phenomena and provide citizens, residents, and relevant authorities with accurate information to ensure public safety.
Alert details and duration
According to the center's report, the governorates of Al-Qurayyat and Tabarjal, and their surrounding areas in the Al-Jawf region, are expected to be affected by a wave of dense fog. The center explained that this weather condition will begin at 2:00 AM and continue until 8:00 AM on Friday. This fog is expected to significantly reduce horizontal visibility to between 3 and 5 kilometers, necessitating caution, especially for drivers on highways and rural roads.
The geographical and climatic importance of the Al-Jawf region
The Al-Jawf region is located in the northern part of Saudi Arabia and is characterized by its desert climate, which is marked by extreme cold in winter and heat in summer. Fog formation is relatively common during seasonal transitions, especially when humidity is high and temperatures are low during the night and early morning hours. The region's diverse topography plays a role in the formation of these weather phenomena, making it essential for residents, particularly farmers and travelers on the roads connecting the region to the rest of the Kingdom and neighboring Jordan, to follow weather warnings.
Expected effects and safety guidelines
The immediate impact of this weather condition is a decrease in road safety. Authorities, such as the Traffic Department and Civil Defense, urge drivers to exercise extreme caution while driving in these conditions. Drivers are advised to reduce speed, maintain a safe following distance, use fog lights, and avoid overtaking except when absolutely necessary. Land transport and shipping may also be slightly affected, potentially causing some delays in the arrival of goods. Residents are generally advised to postpone non-essential travel until the fog clears and visibility improves.
Weather conditions in the rest of the Kingdom
In a related development, the National Center for Meteorology reported continued dust-raising winds across parts of the Northern Borders, Hail, Madinah, Makkah, Riyadh, and Najran regions, as well as the eastern parts of the Asir and Al-Baha regions. The report also indicated the possibility of light rain and fog in the southwestern highlands of the Kingdom, reflecting the unstable weather conditions affecting several regions of the country.
