The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an advanced weather alert on Friday evening regarding the expected weather conditions in the Al-Jawf region of northern Saudi Arabia for Saturday. The center warned of strong winds stirring up dust and sand, which will lead to a significant decrease in horizontal visibility across large parts of the region.
According to the issued alert, the weather conditions include the city of Sakaka, as well as the governorates of Dumat al-Jandal, Qurayyat, and Tabuk. The report explained that the effects of this weather system include strong winds and blowing dust, with near-zero horizontal visibility, which may drop to between 1 and 3 kilometers. The center indicated that this weather system will begin at 9:00 AM and continue until 6:00 PM on Saturday.
The climatic context of the Al-Jawf region
The Al-Jawf region, located in the northern part of Saudi Arabia, is known for its continental desert climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and cold winters. This geographical and climatic feature makes it susceptible to weather fluctuations, especially during seasonal transitions, when surface winds become noticeably active. Dust storms and dust-laden winds are frequent weather phenomena in the region, usually resulting from the passage of low-pressure systems or wind activity originating from neighboring deserts such as the Great Nafud Desert.
Importance and expected effects
This alert is of utmost importance to the region's residents and vital sectors. Locally, this weather condition is expected to directly impact daily life. From a health perspective, asthma and respiratory patients, the elderly, and children are advised to take precautions and stay indoors as much as possible to avoid inhaling dust, which could cause health complications. Regarding transportation, reduced visibility poses a risk to road safety on highways connecting the region's cities and governorates, as well as on international roads passing through them. Drivers are urged to exercise caution and reduce their speed. Air traffic at Al-Jawf Regional Airport may also be affected, with the possibility of flight delays or reschedulings.
Regionally, the Al-Jawf region is a vital land gateway connecting the Kingdom to Jordan, and any weather disturbances could affect commercial transport and passenger traffic across the border. These warnings are part of the National Center for Meteorology's ongoing efforts to raise public awareness and enhance the preparedness of relevant authorities, such as Civil Defense, traffic police, and health agencies, to deal with such weather phenomena and minimize their negative impact on lives and property.
