The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued a series of advanced warnings on Monday regarding the expected weather conditions in the coming hours, warning of light to heavy fog forming over parts of the Makkah, Asir, and Jazan regions, in addition to surface wind activity that stirs up dust and sand in the Eastern Province, which directly affects horizontal visibility and road safety.
Dense fog covers parts of Mecca, Asir and Jazan
The center explained in its report that parts of three regions will experience fog formation during the early morning hours, with the phenomenon beginning at 1:00 AM and continuing until 8:00 AM. This fog will be accompanied by a significant decrease in horizontal visibility, potentially dropping to between 3 and 5 kilometers, necessitating caution, especially for drivers on highways and rural roads.
Areas affected by fog include:
- Makkah Region: Al-Shuaiba, Al-Lith, and Al-Qunfudhah.
- Asir region: Al-Barak and Al-Qahmah.
- Jazan region: Al Darb, Bish, Jazan, and Farasan.
Fog formation in these areas, especially coastal and highland areas, is a common climatic phenomenon during certain periods of the year. It occurs as a result of the meeting of humid air masses with the coldness of the earth's surface during the night and early morning hours, which leads to the condensation of water vapor in the layers of the atmosphere close to the surface.
Warning of dust storms and suspended particles in the Eastern Province
In a related development, the National Center of Meteorology warned that large parts of the Eastern Province would continue to be affected by dust storms and suspended particles until 4:00 AM on Monday. The report indicated that the accompanying effects include strong winds that could lead to near-zero horizontal visibility in some areas, dropping to between 1 and 3 kilometers.
The list of cities and governorates affected by the dust storm includes Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, Qatif, Ras Tanura, Al-Ahsa, Al-Udayd, and Abqaiq. A dust storm warning, accompanied by reduced visibility (3-5 kilometers), covers the governorates of Hafr Al-Batin, Khafji, Nairyah, and Qaryat Al-Ulya.
Importance and expected effects
These weather warnings are of paramount importance due to their direct impact on public safety. Locally, reduced visibility caused by fog or dust increases the likelihood of traffic accidents, requiring drivers to reduce speed, use fog lights, and adhere to traffic regulations. Dust particles also directly affect public health, with asthma and respiratory patients advised to avoid going out in such conditions whenever possible. The National Center of Meteorology plays a vital role in the Kingdom's risk management system, as its accurate reports enable various sectors, such as air and maritime transport, civil defense, and the health sector, to take the necessary preventive measures to ensure everyone's safety.
