The National Center of Meteorology issues an early warning
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an important weather alert Wednesday morning regarding expected conditions in the coming hours. The report warned of varying intensities of fog across large parts of eight regions, which will directly impact horizontal visibility. The center explained that this weather phenomenon began in the early morning hours and is expected to continue until 7:00 AM in some areas, while extending to 8:00 AM in others, urging everyone to take precautions.
General context of weather phenomena in the Kingdom
Fog formation is a frequent phenomenon in Saudi Arabia, especially during seasonal changes and when nighttime temperatures drop. The Kingdom's diverse topography, ranging from the humid coasts of the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea to the cold mountain highlands and vast desert regions, significantly influences fog formation. This geographical diversity plays a major role in fog development. High humidity in coastal areas like the Eastern Province and Jazan, combined with lower temperatures, leads to condensation of water vapor and fog formation. In mountainous regions such as Asir and Taif, the lower temperatures at higher elevations produce the same result. The National Center of Meteorology continuously monitors these phenomena and issues necessary warnings to protect lives and property.
Expected effects and the importance of the warning
This warning is of paramount importance due to its direct impact on public safety and daily life. The most significant impact is the reduction in horizontal visibility, with the report indicating that visibility may drop to between 3 and 5 kilometers in some areas, and reach near-zero visibility (less than one kilometer) in others. This poses a considerable risk to drivers on highways and local roads, increasing the likelihood of traffic accidents. Air traffic at airports located within the affected areas may also be impacted, potentially causing delays in takeoffs and landings. Therefore, relevant authorities, such as Civil Defense and Traffic Police, emphasize the need for caution, reduced speed, use of fog lights, and maintaining a safe distance between vehicles.
Areas and cities affected by fog
The alert issued by the National Center for Meteorology included a detailed list of affected regions and cities, which are as follows:
- Eastern Province: Jubail, Khobar, Khafji, Dammam, Qatif, Ras Tanura, Al-Ahsa, Al-Udayd, and Abqaiq.
- Makkah Region: Al-Shuaiba, Al-Qunfudhah, Al-Laith, Al-Kamil, Rahat, Madrakah, and Taif.
- Medina region: Al Mahd, Wadi Al Fara, Al Hanakiya, and Medina.
- Asir region: Al-Barak, Al-Qahmah, Abha, Al-Namas, Balqarn, Tanomah, and Khamis Mushait.
- Jazan region: Farasan, Jazan, Al Darb, and Bish.
- Northern Border Region: Tarif.
- Al-Jawf region: Al-Qurayyat and Tabarjal.
- Tabuk region: Al Wajh and Duba.
