The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an advanced weather alert for Thursday, warning of continued surface wind activity causing dust storms across large parts of the Riyadh region. These conditions are expected to significantly reduce horizontal visibility, necessitating caution.
Alert details and affected areas
According to the center's report, the weather event will begin at 9:00 AM and continue into the evening, expected to end by 6:00 PM in some areas and extend to 8:00 PM in others. The alert covers several governorates and vital centers in the Riyadh region, including: As-Sulayyil, Wadi Ad-Dawasir, Ad-Dawadmi, Ar-Rayn, Al-Quway'iyah, and Afif. The accompanying effects include strong winds that may reach high speeds, leading to near-zero horizontal visibility, which could drop to between 1 and 3 kilometers.
The climatic context of dust storms in the region
Dust and sandstorms are a common weather phenomenon in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the Riyadh region, due to its desert geography. Riyadh is located in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, an area characterized by vast expanses of sand and desert, such as the Nafud and Rub' al Khali deserts. These storms are typically caused by the passage of low-pressure systems or the activity of northerly winds (known as Shamal winds), which blow strongly across the dry, loose land, carrying with them enormous quantities of dust and sand. The frequency of these storms increases during the transitional periods between seasons, especially in spring and summer.
Expected effects and safety guidelines
These weather conditions have a direct impact on daily life and public safety. On the health front, asthma, respiratory, and allergy sufferers are advised to avoid going out unless absolutely necessary and to keep their windows tightly closed. On the roads, drivers must exercise extreme caution, reduce speed, and maintain a safe following distance due to the significant decrease in visibility, which increases the risk of traffic accidents. Air traffic at domestic and international airports may also be affected, potentially leading to delays or rescheduling of some flights. Relevant authorities, such as Civil Defense and Traffic Police, urge citizens and residents to stay updated on weather conditions and adhere to issued instructions to ensure their safety.
An overview of the Kingdom's weather
In addition to the Riyadh region, the National Center for Meteorology expects dust-raising winds to continue affecting parts of Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders, Hail, Madinah, Makkah, and Najran regions, as well as the eastern parts of Asir and Al-Baha regions. Meanwhile, light rain and fog formation are possible in parts of the southwestern highlands of the Kingdom.
