The National Center for Meteorology issued its daily report on the expected weather conditions on Friday in various parts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as the center warned of weather fluctuations including rainfall, activity in surface winds that stir up dust, in addition to the formation of dense fog that may affect horizontal visibility in large parts of 8 administrative regions.
Weather details and affected areas
According to weather forecasts, the Kingdom is experiencing unstable weather conditions characterized by active surface winds that are stirring up dust and sand, leading to reduced horizontal visibility, especially on highways and in open areas. These conditions affect parts of the Tabuk, Al-Jawf, Northern Borders, Hail, Madinah, and Makkah .
The report also indicated that there is still a chance of light to moderate thunderstorms, accompanied by fog formation in parts of the aforementioned regions. These forecasts extend to include the mountainous areas in the Al-Baha and Asir , which calls for caution and vigilance while driving in these conditions.
The state of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
Regarding the maritime situation, the center provided the following details:
- The Red Sea: Northwesterly to westerly surface winds reaching speeds of up to 55 km/h are prevailing in the northern part, while southeasterly to southwesterly winds are present in the central and southern parts. Wave heights are expected to exceed 2.5 meters in the northern part, creating rough sea conditions, particularly towards the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
- Arabian Gulf: The winds will be northwesterly, later turning southeasterly, with wave heights ranging between half a meter and one and a half meters, and the sea state will be light to moderate.
The importance of early warning and public safety
These daily reports are of paramount importance to citizens and residents, especially on weekends like Fridays, when road trips and travel between cities are frequent. The early warning system implemented by the National Center of Meteorology is a cornerstone of public safety, helping to alert drivers to the risks of skidding during rainfall or reduced visibility due to dust and fog.
The geographical and climatic context of the Kingdom
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is characterized by a wide geographical diversity that directly impacts its climate. The northern and central regions are affected by cold air masses and active winds, while the southwestern highlands (such as Asir and Al-Baha) have a mountainous terrain that makes them prone to frequent cumulonimbus cloud and fog formation. This report comes as part of the ongoing monitoring of the weather fluctuations in the region, reflecting the efforts of the relevant authorities to ensure the safety of lives and property and to guide the public in taking the necessary precautions.
