The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an advanced weather alert on Monday, warning of strong surface winds that will stir up dust and sand, reducing horizontal visibility across large parts of nine major regions in the Kingdom. The affected areas include Mecca, Medina, Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders, the Eastern Province, Riyadh, and Najran. The impact of this weather system also extends to the eastern parts of the Asir and Al-Baha highlands.
The report indicated the possibility of fog forming during the night and early morning hours on the western and southwestern coastal areas, which would make visibility more difficult and require extra caution from drivers.
The climatic context of the dust phenomenon in the Kingdom
Dust and sandstorms are a frequent weather phenomenon in Saudi Arabia, given its predominantly desert geography, where vast deserts such as the Empty Quarter and the Great Nafud Desert cover enormous areas. These phenomena are particularly active during seasonal transitions, due to the influence of low-pressure systems that generate strong winds capable of carrying large quantities of sand and dust over long distances. The National Center of Meteorology plays a vital role in monitoring these phenomena and issuing early warnings to protect lives and property.
Expected effects and the importance of warnings
These weather fluctuations have direct impacts on various aspects of daily life. From a health perspective, dust poses a risk to those with respiratory illnesses and asthma, as well as the elderly and children. Health authorities consistently recommend staying indoors and avoiding going out unless absolutely necessary. Regarding transportation, reduced visibility increases the risk of accidents on highways and may cause delays or cancellations of flights at airports located in affected areas. Relevant authorities, such as civil defense and traffic police, are working to enhance their preparedness to deal with any emergencies that may arise from these weather conditions.
Navigation conditions in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
Red Sea:
- Surface winds: Northeasterly to southeasterly in the northern and central parts, and southeasterly to southwesterly in the southern part, with speeds ranging between 15-26 km/h.
- Wave height: from half a meter to one meter.
- Sea state: Light waves.
The Arabian Gulf:
- Surface winds: Northwesterly at a speed of 22-48 km/h.
- Wave height: from one and a half meters to two and a half meters.
- Sea state: Moderate to rough.
Special alert for the Eastern Province
The center issued a special alert for the Eastern Province, effective from 4:00 AM to 6:00 PM, covering the cities of Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, Qatif, Ras Tanura, Al-Ahsa, Al-Udayd, Abqaiq, and Hafr Al-Batin. The accompanying effects include strong winds and near-zero horizontal visibility, which may drop to only 1-3 kilometers. Extreme caution is advised.
