The National Center for Meteorology issued an important weather alert for Monday, indicating that large parts of the Riyadh region will be affected by a dust storm that will reduce horizontal visibility. This report is part of the ongoing monitoring of weather conditions to ensure the safety of citizens, residents, and highway users.
Weather details in Riyadh
The center explained in its report that the weather phenomenon will begin at 9:00 AM and continue until 5:00 PM. The accompanying effects include increased surface wind activity, which will stir up dust and sand, reducing horizontal visibility to between 3 and 5 kilometers. The center identified the affected areas as: Dawadmi, Ar-Rin, Al-Quway'iyah, Afif, As-Sulayyil, Wadi Ad-Dawasir, Az-Zulfi, Al-Ghat, Al-Majma'ah, and Shaqra .
The effects extend to other areas
The weather fluctuations are not limited to the Riyadh region. The National Center for Meteorology expects the continued impact of active winds stirring up dust and sand on the eastern parts of the Asir, Al-Baha, and Makkah regions. This condition also extends to parts of the Madinah, Qassim, Hail, Al-Jawf, and Northern Borders regions, reaching as far as the northern parts of the Eastern Province. In the Tabuk region, the center warned of near-zero horizontal visibility in some areas due to the density of the dust.
Climate context and the importance of the warning
These weather fluctuations are part of the typical climate of the Kingdom's desert regions, especially during seasonal transitions, when surface winds become active and stir up sand in open areas. These warnings are of paramount importance given the location of the aforementioned governorates (such as Al-Quway'iyah, Afif, and Wadi Al-Dawasir) on a network of major highways connecting the central, western, and southern parts of the Kingdom.
These conditions typically affect traffic on highways, requiring drivers to exercise caution, maintain safe distances, and adhere to traffic regulations and road safety guidelines. Doctors and specialists also advise those with respiratory illnesses and asthma to avoid direct exposure to dust during these hours and to use face masks when necessary to protect their health.
Chance of rain and fog
In a related development, the weather report indicated that there remains a chance of light rain over parts of the western highlands of the Kingdom. The formation of dense fog during the early morning and late night hours is also possible over parts of the highlands of Al-Baha, Asir, and Jazan regions, further reducing visibility in those mountainous areas.
