The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an alert regarding the expected weather conditions on Wednesday in parts of the Riyadh region, warning of surface wind activity that may stir up dust and sand, causing a decrease in horizontal visibility.
Weather alert details for the Riyadh region
According to the center's report, this weather phenomenon is expected to begin at 9:00 AM and continue until 7:00 PM on Wednesday. The affected areas primarily include the governorates of Zulfi, Ghat, Majmaah, Rumah, and Shaqra. The center indicated that the accompanying effects of this weather system include strong winds and a decrease in horizontal visibility that may drop to between 3 and 5 kilometers, necessitating caution, especially for those using highways.
The climatic context of dust phenomena in Saudi Arabia
Sandstorms and dust storms are common in Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Peninsula in general, due to its desert nature. These phenomena increase in frequency during seasonal transitions, particularly in spring and summer. These dust storms are usually caused by the passage of low-pressure systems or the activity of northerly winds, known as "Shamal winds," which carry large quantities of sand and dust from vast desert regions such as the Rub' al Khali and the Nafud al-Kabir.
Expected effects and safety guidelines
These weather phenomena have direct effects on various aspects of daily life, and require special preparation to deal with them:
- On the health front: Patients with asthma, respiratory and allergy problems are advised to avoid going out in such weather except when absolutely necessary, and to wear protective masks to reduce dust inhalation.
- Regarding transportation: Reduced visibility increases the risk of road accidents. Therefore, relevant authorities, such as the General Directorate of Traffic and Civil Defense, urge drivers to exercise extreme caution, reduce speed, and maintain a safe distance between vehicles. Air traffic at nearby airports may also be affected, potentially causing delays or rescheduling of some flights.
- Regarding public life: Citizens and residents are advised to secure objects that could be blown away on rooftops and in open areas, and to close windows tightly to prevent dust from entering buildings.
The National Center for Meteorology continues to monitor the weather situation around the clock, and issues the necessary updates and reports through its official channels, calling on everyone to follow the latest developments and adhere to the instructions issued by the competent authorities to ensure their safety.
