Weather warnings: Dense fog covers 9 regions in Saudi Arabia

The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an important weather report warning of expected conditions, issuing a "red alert" for dense fog of varying intensity across large parts of nine major regions in the Kingdom. These warnings are part of the authorities' commitment to the safety of citizens and residents during the early morning hours, as this weather phenomenon is expected to continue until 9:00 AM.

Historically, Saudi Arabia experiences significant weather fluctuations during the transitional periods between seasons, particularly in late winter and early spring. Fog is a recurring weather phenomenon during these times, forming as a result of the cooling of air near the Earth's surface at night, leading to the condensation of water vapor. The likelihood of fog formation increases in coastal areas and mountainous regions due to high humidity and favorable topographical conditions. This climatic pattern is not new to the region; rather, it is part of the natural weather cycle to which the Kingdom's inhabitants are accustomed. However, its intensity varies from year to year depending on regional climatic variations.

The formation of dense fog in several areas is of great importance and has direct effects on daily life. Locally, the lack of visibility significantly impacts traffic on highways and local roads, requiring the activation of emergency traffic plans to prevent accidents. It also has a regional and local impact on air and sea traffic, as some airports and ports may have to postpone scheduled flights as a precautionary measure to ensure the highest safety standards, which in turn has a temporary impact on the logistics and economic sectors.

Effects of dense fog formation on horizontal visibility

The National Center of Meteorology's report explained that the effects of this weather condition include near-zero horizontal visibility, ranging from one to three kilometers in some areas. In areas experiencing dense, concentrated fog, horizontal visibility may drop to one kilometer or less, posing a significant challenge for drivers and requiring extreme caution.

Map of areas covered by the weather warning

The report included a detailed breakdown of fog distribution across the Kingdom, with the distributions as follows:

• Eastern Province: Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, Qatif, Ras Tanura, Khafji, Nairyah, Qaryat Al-Ulya, Hafr Al-Batin, Al-Ahsa, Al-Udayd, and Abqaiq.
• Riyadh Region: Al-Zulfi, Al-Ghat, Al-Majma’ah, Shaqra, Al-Dawadmi, Al-Rayn, Al-Quway’iyah, Afif, Al-Hariq, Al-Kharj, Al-Dilam, Al-Muzahmiyah, Hawtat Bani Tamim, Thadiq, Huraymila, Rumah, Dhurma, Marat, Al-Diriyah, and the capital, Riyadh.
• Mecca: Taif.
• Northern border: Rafha.
• Al-Baha: Al-Qura, Al-Mandaq, Al-Baha, Baljurashi, and Bani Hassan.
• Hail: Al-Shanan, Baqaa, and Samira.
• Al-Qassim: Al-Asyah, Al-Badai’, Al-Bukayriyah, Al-Thamiriya, Al-Shamasiya, Al-Ammar, Al-Mudhnib, Buraydah, Unayzah, Uyun Al-Jawa, Abanat, Al-Khabra, Ar-Rass, Al-Fawarah, An-Nabhaniah, Riyadh Al-Khabra, Dhariyah, and Uqlat As-Suqur.
• Asir: Al Namas, Balqarn, Tanomah, Al Harjah, Al Rabua, Al Farsha, Sarat Abidah, Dhahran Al Janoub, Abha, and Ahad Rafidah.
• Jazan: Al-Harth, Al-Dayer, Al-Raith, Al-Ardah, Al-Aydabi, Fifa, and Haroub.

Important guidelines for dealing with low vision

Security and traffic authorities urge all drivers to adhere to traffic regulations while driving in these conditions. They advise using fog lights, maintaining a safe distance between vehicles, and avoiding speeding or improper overtaking to ensure safe arrival at destinations and minimize risks associated with adverse weather conditions.