The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued its daily weather report, forecasting continued strong winds stirring up dust and sand in several regions, leading to reduced horizontal visibility. Warnings were issued for large parts of Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders, Hail, Al-Qassim, and Madinah regions, with the effects extending to parts of Makkah and Tabuk.
Background on weather phenomena in the Kingdom
Sand and dust storms are a common weather phenomenon in the Arabian Peninsula, particularly in Saudi Arabia, due to its vast desert landscape, including the Rub' al Khali and the Nafud al-Kabir. These storms are especially active during seasonal transitions, particularly in spring and summer, when changes in atmospheric pressure and strong winds, such as the northerly winds, stir up enormous quantities of dust and sand, transporting them over long distances.
Expected effects and the importance of follow-up
These dust storms have direct impacts on various aspects of daily life. From a health perspective, those with respiratory illnesses and allergies are advised to take precautions and stay indoors as much as possible, since fine particles in the air can exacerbate their symptoms. Regarding transportation, reduced visibility poses a risk to road safety on highways, often prompting warnings from security authorities. Air traffic at airports located within the affected areas may also be affected, potentially leading to delays or rescheduling of some flights. Therefore, the center emphasizes the importance of monitoring weather reports issued by official sources to take necessary precautions.
The report added that there is still a chance of fog forming during the night and early morning hours on the coastal parts of the Makkah and Eastern regions, which will further reduce visibility in those areas.
Red Sea situation
- Surface winds: Northwesterly to northerly on the northern and central parts at a speed of 25-50 km/h, and southeasterly to southwesterly on the southern part at a speed of 12-35 km/h, which may reach 45 km/h towards the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
- Wave height: from one and a half to two and a half meters on the northern and central parts, and from half a meter to one and a half meters on the southern part, and may reach two meters towards the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
- Sea state: Moderate to rough in the northern and central parts, and slight to moderate in the southern part.
Arabian Gulf situation
- Surface winds: Northeasterly to southeasterly, turning northwesterly to northerly in the afternoon over the northern and central parts, and northeasterly to northwesterly over the southern part, at a speed of 10-28 km/h.
- Wave height: from half a meter to one meter.
- Sea state: Light waves.
