The National Center for Meteorology issued an important alert this morning, Wednesday, warning of unstable weather conditions characterized by fog of varying intensity, reaching high density, across large parts of seven administrative regions in the Kingdom. This report comes as part of the ongoing monitoring of weather conditions to ensure the safety of citizens and residents, especially those using highways and open roads.
Weather details and its effects
The center explained in its report that this weather phenomenon began in the early morning hours and is expected to continue until 8:00 AM in some areas, and until 9:00 AM in others. The effects of this condition range from reduced horizontal visibility of 3-5 kilometers in some locations to near-zero visibility (1-3 kilometers) in others. The center warned of a complete lack of horizontal visibility (less than one kilometer) in areas experiencing dense fog, necessitating the utmost caution.
Areas and cities affected by fog
The alert included a detailed list of affected cities and governorates in the following regions:
- Eastern Province: Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, Qatif, Ras Tanura, Al-Ahsa, Abqaiq, Khafji, Nairyah, Qaryat Al-Ulya, Hafr Al-Batin, and many others.
- Makkah Region: Rabigh, Al-Shuaiba, Al-Lith, Al-Qunfudhah, Jeddah, and Taif.
- Al-Baha region: Al-Mandaq, Baljurashi, Bani Hassan, and Qalwa.
- Al-Jawf region: Al-Qurayyat, Tabarjal, Dumat Al-Jandal, and Sakaka.
- Northern borders: Tarif, Rafha, Al-Uwaiqilah, and Arar.
- Asir region: Al-Barak, Al-Qahmah, Al-Namas, Balqarn, Tanomah, Abha, Ahad Rafidah, and Khamis Mushait.
- Jazan region: Al Darb, Bish, Al Harth, Al Dayer, Al Reeth, Al Ardah, Al Eidabi, Fifa, and Haroub.
Traffic safety guidelines and the importance of warnings
These warnings are of paramount importance given the direct impact of fog on land and sea navigation. In such weather conditions, security and traffic authorities, such as highway patrol and civil defense, emphasize the necessity of following safe driving guidelines. Experts always advise maintaining a safe distance between vehicles, using fog lights instead of high beams which can impair visibility due to reflections on water droplets, and avoiding excessive speed and sudden lane changes.
Seasonal climatic context in the Kingdom
Fog is a common weather phenomenon in Saudi Arabia during seasonal transitions and in winter, when relative humidity increases and minimum temperatures drop, causing water vapor to condense near the Earth's surface. Coastal areas (such as the Eastern Province, Jeddah, and Jazan) and mountainous regions (such as Asir and Al-Baha) are more affected by fog due to their geographical characteristics and the air's saturation with moisture from bodies of water. Therefore, monitoring weather forecasts is essential for planning safe daily travel.
