Dust storm warning for the Riyadh region
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia, through its early warning system, issued an advanced alert regarding the expected weather conditions for Wednesday, warning of active surface winds that will stir up dust and sand across large parts of the Riyadh region. According to the report, this weather phenomenon will begin in the early hours of Wednesday morning, specifically at 3:00 AM in some governorates and 5:00 AM in others, and its effects are expected to continue until 5:00 PM.
The alert covers the capital, Riyadh, as well as several governorates and centers, including: Al-Aflaj, As-Sulayyil, Wadi Ad-Dawasir, Al-Hariq, Al-Kharj, Ad-Dilam, Al-Muzahmiya, Hawtat Bani Tamim, Ad-Diriyah, Ad-Dawadmi, Ar-Rayn, Al-Quway'iyah, and Afif. The center explained that the effects of this weather system include active winds that may be strong at times, leading to near-zero horizontal visibility, which could drop to between one and three kilometers.
The climatic context of dust storms in the region
Dust storms are a recurring weather phenomenon in the Kingdom, particularly in the Riyadh region, which lies on the Najd plateau and is surrounded by vast desert areas such as the Ad-Dahna Desert. These storms are typically active during the transitional periods between seasons, when low-pressure systems and strong winds stir up dust and sand from the arid land, significantly reducing visibility. These conditions require residents to take extra precautions, especially on the highways connecting the region's cities.
Cold wave and frost in 4 northern regions
In a related development, and in a striking climatic contrast, the National Center for Meteorology predicted that four regions in the north of the Kingdom would experience a cold wave during the early morning hours of Wednesday, lasting until 8:00 AM. The accompanying effects include a sharp drop in temperatures, reaching between zero and three degrees Celsius below zero, with a chance of frost forming on crops and exposed surfaces.
The areas affected by the cold wave include:
- Hail region: It includes Baqaa, Muwaqq and the city of Hail.
- Tabuk region: It is concentrated in the high-altitude areas such as Jabal Al-Lawz and Al-Aqan.
- Al-Jawf region: It includes Dumat Al-Jandal, Sakaka, Al-Qurayyat and Tabarjal.
- Northern Border Region: This includes Al-Uwaiqilah, Rafha, Arar and Tarif.
Expected effects and the importance of warnings
These varying weather phenomena have a direct impact on daily life. In Riyadh, asthma and respiratory patients, the elderly, and children are advised to stay indoors and avoid going out unless absolutely necessary. In the northern regions, frost poses a threat to crops, requiring residents to take precautions against the severe cold. These warnings underscore the importance of following official reports issued by the National Center for Meteorology to stay informed about weather fluctuations and ensure everyone's safety.
