The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an advanced warning regarding the expected weather conditions in the Al-Jawf region on Sunday, cautioning against the formation of a dense fog that could lead to near-zero horizontal visibility. According to the center's report, the governorates of Qurayyat and Tabuk will be particularly affected by this weather phenomenon.
Warning details and timing of the situation
The center explained that the fog wave will begin in the early hours of Sunday morning, specifically from 1:00 AM, and is expected to continue until 8:00 AM. During this period, horizontal visibility is expected to drop sharply to between 1 and 3 kilometers, and in some areas it may be even less, posing a risk to public safety and traffic.
The climatic context of the Al-Jawf region
The Al-Jawf region is located in the northern part of Saudi Arabia and is characterized by its desert climate, which features significant temperature variations between day and night, and throughout the year. Fog formation, especially during the early morning hours in winter and spring, is a well-known climatic phenomenon in the region. Fog typically forms when the ground cools rapidly after sunset, causing the air in contact with it to cool down to its dew point and condense the water vapor into tiny water droplets that remain suspended in the air.
Importance and expected effects
This warning is of utmost importance to residents and drivers in the Al-Jawf region. The severe reduction in visibility increases the risk of traffic accidents on highways and main roads connecting the region's governorates to each other and to the rest of the Kingdom. Therefore, relevant authorities, such as the General Directorate of Traffic and Civil Defense, urge everyone to exercise caution, avoid speeding, use fog lights, and maintain a safe following distance. Air traffic at local airports, such as Al-Jawf Airport and Qurayyat Airport, may also be affected, potentially causing delays or rescheduling of some morning flights.
General weather conditions in the Kingdom
This warning comes amidst broader weather fluctuations affecting various parts of the Kingdom. The National Center for Meteorology had previously cautioned about the continued impact of active winds stirring up dust and sand in parts of the Northern Borders, Tabuk, Hail, Madinah, and Makkah regions, emphasizing the need to follow the center's ongoing updates to ensure everyone's safety.
