The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an important weather alert on Tuesday for the Al-Jawf region, warning of continued dust storms that are directly impacting horizontal visibility and air quality. The alert covers the city of Sakaka, as well as the governorates of Dumat Al-Jandal, Al-Qurayyat, and Tabuk, where surface winds are stirring up dust and sand.
The center explained in its detailed report that the expected weather conditions include dust storms accompanied by strong winds, causing near-zero horizontal visibility. The report predicted that Sakaka and Dumat al-Jandal would be affected by reduced visibility, dropping to 1 km or less, while the governorates of Qurayyat and Tabuk would experience similar effects, with visibility ranging between 1 and 3 km. The center indicated that these weather conditions would persist until 2:00 AM on Wednesday, urging citizens and residents to exercise caution.
Geographical and climatic context of the region
These weather fluctuations are a consequence of the geographical and climatic nature of the Al-Jawf region and the northern parts of the Kingdom, which are frequently subject to dust storms, particularly during seasonal transitions. The northern region acts as a gateway for weather influences from various atmospheric pressure systems, making it a stage for surface wind activity that stirs up sand in open desert areas—a characteristic feature of the prevailing climate pattern in the Arabian Peninsula.
Expected effects and safety guidelines
This weather condition is expected to affect traffic, particularly on highways and open roads connecting the region's provinces or those linking the Kingdom to neighboring countries via the northern border crossings. Therefore, traffic safety experts advise drivers to reduce their speed, use hazard lights, and avoid road travel during peak dust storm hours unless absolutely necessary.
On the health front, doctors and specialists emphasize the need for preventative measures during this period, particularly for those with respiratory conditions, asthma, allergies, the elderly, and children. They advise staying indoors, keeping windows tightly closed to prevent dust ingress, and wearing face masks when going out to avoid health complications that may arise from inhaling fine dust particles.
