The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued the Riyadh region on Wednesday, warning of active winds and blowing dust that could significantly reduce horizontal visibility and require caution. According to the report, these weather conditions are expected to begin at 9:00 AM and continue until 6:00 PM.
Alert details and affected areas
The alert covered a number of governorates and cities in the region, and the warning was divided into two main categories based on the severity of the phenomenon:
- Active winds: will affect the governorates of Zulfi, Ghat, Majmaah, Shaqra, Thadiq, Huraymila, Rumah, Dhurma, Marat, as well as Diriyah and the capital, Riyadh. These winds are expected to reduce horizontal visibility, with wind speeds reaching between 40 and 49 kilometers per hour.
- Dust storms: These will affect the governorates of Al-Aflaj, As-Sulayyil, Wadi Ad-Dawasir, Ad-Dawadimi, Ar-Rayn, Al-Quway'iyah, Afif, Al-Hariq, Al-Kharj, Ad-Dilam, Al-Muzahmiyah, and Hawtat Bani Tamim. The accompanying effects will include strong winds that will reduce horizontal visibility to between 3 and 5 kilometers.
Climate context and the importance of warnings
These warnings are issued in light of the climatic conditions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, characterized by its vast desert environment. Dust storms and strong winds are frequent weather phenomena, especially during seasonal transitions. The open terrain plays a significant role in facilitating wind movement and the stirring up of dust and sand, impacting air quality and daily life. The National Center of Meteorology plays a vital role in monitoring these weather changes and issuing early warnings, enabling relevant authorities, citizens, and residents to take the necessary precautions to mitigate potential risks.
Expected effects and safety guidelines
This wave of wind and dust is expected to have significant impacts on several fronts. In terms of health, asthma, respiratory, and allergy sufferers are advised to avoid going out unless absolutely necessary, and to wear protective masks. Regarding transportation, reduced visibility poses a risk to road safety, requiring drivers to exercise extreme caution, reduce speed, and maintain a safe following distance. Air traffic at King Khalid International Airport may also be slightly affected. The Civil Defense Directorate urges citizens and residents to secure any loose objects on rooftops and buildings to prevent them from falling.
An overview of the Kingdom's weather
In addition to the alert specific to the Riyadh region, the National Center for Meteorology and Environmental Protection (NCMEP) forecasts in its general report that the chance of thunderstorms accompanied by hail and strong winds remains high in parts of the Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir, and Jazan regions. Fog formation is also possible during the night and early morning hours in parts of these regions, as well as in parts of northern Saudi Arabia, reflecting a state of atmospheric instability in various parts of the country.
