The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued a yellow alert, warning of light fog forming over scattered parts of three vital regions: Mecca, Asir, and Jazan. The center explained that this weather phenomenon will lead to a decrease in horizontal visibility, requiring caution, especially for drivers on highways and local roads.
Alert details and affected areas
According to the center's statement, light fog will begin affecting the region from 2:00 AM to 7:00 AM on Thursday. The fog is expected to reduce horizontal visibility to between 3 and 5 kilometers in the affected areas. These areas include parts of the Makkah region, which encompasses the holy city of Mecca and is a major religious and economic center, as well as the Asir region, known for its mountainous terrain and stunning natural beauty, and the coastal Jazan region, which is of agricultural and strategic importance.
The importance of weather warnings and the meaning of a yellow alert
The National Center for Meteorology plays a pivotal role in the Kingdom's public safety system by monitoring weather phenomena and issuing necessary warnings. The center employs a color-coded alert system (yellow, orange, red) to notify the public and relevant authorities of the severity of weather conditions. A yellow alert indicates the need for "vigilance and caution," signifying the presence of a potentially dangerous weather phenomenon in specific areas that requires continuous monitoring. While it does not necessitate extraordinary measures, it alerts residents to the importance of exercising caution when engaging in outdoor activities and traveling.
Expected effects and safety guidelines
Reduced visibility caused by fog is one of the most significant hazards affecting road safety. In such conditions, the likelihood of accidents increases considerably. Therefore, relevant authorities, such as the General Directorate of Traffic and Civil Defense, emphasize the importance of following safety guidelines while driving in foggy conditions, which include:
- Reduce speed significantly and maintain a safe distance between vehicles.
- Use fog lights if available, and low beam lights instead of high beams which may increase the glare of the fog.
- Avoid overtaking and sudden changes in lane.
- Pull over completely off the road in a safe place in case of zero visibility.
It is also advised to postpone non-essential travel during the warning period to ensure everyone's safety. The importance of these warnings lies in the fact that the affected areas experience heavy traffic, both from local residents and visitors and pilgrims in the Makkah region.
