The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued its daily weather report, forecasting continued unstable weather conditions across several regions of the Kingdom. The report indicated that surface winds will continue to stir up dust and sand, reducing horizontal visibility in parts of the Al-Jawf and Northern Borders regions. Meanwhile, the possibility of dense fog remains during the night and early morning hours in parts of the Eastern Province, as well as the Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, and Makkah regions, urging caution, especially for those traveling on highways.
The climatic context of dust phenomena in the Kingdom
Dust storms and dust-laden winds are a recurring weather phenomenon in Saudi Arabia, due to its vast desert landscape, most notably the Rub' al Khali and Nafud al Kabir deserts. These winds are particularly active during seasonal transitions, when changes in atmospheric pressure systems cause air masses to move rapidly across the arid, open terrain, carrying large quantities of sand and dust. While these phenomena play a role in the desert ecosystem, they also pose a significant challenge to daily life and infrastructure.
Expected effects and health guidelines
These weather conditions have direct impacts on various sectors. On the health front, asthma, respiratory, and allergy sufferers are advised to avoid going out in such weather unless absolutely necessary, and to wear protective masks. Dust and sandstorms also directly affect transportation, as reduced visibility increases the risk of road accidents and may cause delays or cancellations of flights at affected airports. Authorities, such as Civil Defense and Highway Patrol, urge drivers to exercise extreme caution, reduce speed, and maintain a safe distance between vehicles.
Sea conditions and navigation
Regarding maritime traffic, the report detailed the situation in the Red and Arabian Seas as follows:
Red Sea
- Surface winds: Northwesterly to northeasterly in the northern and central parts at speeds of 10-25 km/h. Southeasterly to southwesterly in the southern part at speeds of 12-35 km/h, potentially reaching 42 km/h towards the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
- Wave height: from half a meter to one meter on the northern and central parts, and from half a meter to one and a half meters on the southern part.
- Sea state: Light waves in the northern and central parts, and light to moderate waves in the southern part.
Arabian Gulf
- Surface winds: Southeasterly to southerly in the northern part at a speed of 10-25 km/h, and northwesterly to southwesterly in the central and southern parts at a speed of 12-35 km/h.
- Wave height: from half a meter to one meter on the northern part, and from half a meter to one and a half meters on the central and southern parts.
- Sea state: Light waves in the northern part, and light to moderate waves in the central and southern parts.
