Advanced warning from the National Center for Meteorology
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an important weather alert on Wednesday for the Madinah region. The center warned of strong surface winds reaching speeds of 40 to 49 kilometers per hour, which will stir up dust and reduce horizontal visibility. According to the report, this weather condition will affect Madinah city and the governorates of Al-Ula, Al-Ais, and Khaybar, and is expected to begin at 9:00 AM and continue until 6:00 PM.
The center also issued another alert concerning the governorates of Al-Hanakiya, Al-Mahd, Badr, and Wadi Al-Fara, warning of dust storms that would reduce visibility to between 3 and 5 kilometers during the same period.
The climatic context of the region and the causes of the phenomenon
Weather phenomena such as strong winds and dust storms are common in the Arabian Peninsula, especially during seasonal transitions. Madinah, located in a region with an arid desert climate, is particularly susceptible to such weather fluctuations. These winds often originate from low-pressure systems or pressure differences, causing air masses to move at high speeds over the dry desert, carrying large quantities of sand and dust. The National Center of Meteorology plays a vital role in monitoring these phenomena and issuing early warnings, contributing to public safety and mitigating potential risks to residents and infrastructure. This aligns with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals for environmental risk management.
Importance and expected impacts on the region
These weather conditions have multiple impacts at both the local and regional levels. Locally, reduced visibility directly affects traffic on highways and local roads, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Air traffic at Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina may also be affected, potentially causing delays or rescheduling of some flights.
From a health perspective, dust and airborne particles pose a risk to public health, especially for people with respiratory conditions such as asthma and allergies, as well as the elderly and children. Health authorities advise staying indoors as much as possible and avoiding going out unless absolutely necessary, while wearing protective face masks.
Given the great religious significance of Medina as a destination for millions of visitors and pilgrims from around the world, such weather warnings are of particular importance to ensure the safety of the pilgrims and to raise their awareness of the necessary preventive measures while they move between the Prophet’s Mosque and other religious sites.
