The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an advanced weather alert today for the Najran region, warning of a dust storm accompanied by strong winds. The center explained that this weather condition has already begun and will continue until 11:00 PM this evening, Sunday, urging residents to take precautions.
According to the alert, the affected area includes the city of Najran and several neighboring governorates: Badr Al-Janoub, Thar, Habuna, Yadma, and Khubash. The effects of this weather system include strong surface winds that stir up dust and sand, leading to a significant decrease and near-zero visibility, with visibility ranging between 1 and 3 kilometers only. This poses a danger to traffic and vehicles.
The climatic context of the Najran region
Due to its geographical location in the south of the Kingdom and its proximity to the Rub' al Khali desert, the Najran region has an arid desert climate, making it frequently prone to sand and dust storms, especially during seasonal changes. These weather phenomena typically arise from the passage of low-pressure systems or the formation of varying atmospheric pressure systems, leading to strong winds capable of carrying enormous quantities of sand and dust over long distances.
Expected effects and safety guidelines
Such weather conditions have direct impacts on public health and safety. Those with asthma and respiratory conditions, the elderly, and children are advised to avoid leaving their homes unless absolutely necessary. If going out is unavoidable, they should wear protective masks to avoid inhaling dust. Civil Defense and relevant authorities also emphasize the need for extreme caution for drivers on highways and local roads. Drivers should reduce their speed, maintain a safe following distance, and use hazard lights to ensure their safety and the safety of others in light of reduced visibility.
General weather conditions in the Kingdom
This warning comes as part of a broader report from the National Center for Meteorology regarding the weather across the Kingdom. The report forecasts continued moderate to heavy thunderstorms, potentially leading to flash floods and accompanied by hail in parts of the Qassim, Northern Borders, and Eastern Provinces, as well as the northern parts of the Riyadh region. This reflects a state of atmospheric instability affecting large areas of the country.
