Warning from the National Center for Meteorology
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an important weather alert for Friday, warning of light to moderate fog in scattered areas of five major regions during the early morning hours. The center explained in its report that this weather phenomenon will lead to a significant decrease in horizontal visibility, potentially dropping to between 3 and 5 kilometers in some locations. This phenomenon is expected to begin in the early morning hours and continue until 8:00 AM in most affected areas.
Areas affected by fog and their details
The alert covered geographically diverse areas, reflecting the impact of the humid air mass on large parts of the Kingdom. The areas included in the warning are:
- Eastern Region: Scattered parts of the region.
- Tabuk region: Tabuk city and its suburbs.
- Al-Jawf region: Al-Qurayyat and Tabarjal governorates.
- Jazan region: Al-Harth, Al-Dayer, Al-Raith, Al-Ardah, Al-Aydabi, Fifa, and Haroub governorates.
- Asir region: Abha, Al Namas, Balqarn, Tanomah, and Khamis Mushait.
The climatic context of the fog phenomenon in the Kingdom
Fog formation is a natural phenomenon that recurs in the Kingdom, especially during seasonal changes and when temperatures drop at night. Fog typically forms when the Earth's surface cools rapidly after sunset, causing the air in contact with it to cool as well. When the air temperature reaches its dew point and sufficient humidity is present, the water vapor in the air condenses into tiny water droplets that remain suspended in the atmosphere, forming what we know as fog. Coastal areas and mountainous regions in the Kingdom, such as Asir and Jazan, are ideal environments for fog formation due to their high humidity and distinctive topography.
Importance and expected impacts on public safety
Fog formation has a direct impact on public safety, particularly on transportation. Reduced horizontal visibility poses a significant risk to drivers on highways and local roads, increasing the likelihood of traffic accidents. Therefore, relevant authorities, such as the General Directorate of Traffic and Civil Defense, emphasize the need for caution, reduced speed, maintaining a safe distance between vehicles, and the use of fog lights. Air traffic at airports located in these areas may also be affected if visibility falls below the levels required for takeoff and landing.
A comprehensive look at Friday's weather
In addition to fog formation, the National Center for Meteorology expects parts of Riyadh, Qassim, and the Eastern Province to be affected by active winds stirring up dust and sand. Meanwhile, there remains a chance of light rain over parts of the highlands of Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir, and Jazan. A drop in temperatures accompanied by active winds that will reduce horizontal visibility is also expected in parts of Tabuk, Al-Jawf, and the Northern Borders regions.
