The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued weather , warning of varying intensities of fog affecting large parts of eight administrative regions during the early morning hours of Monday. This warning comes as part of ongoing monitoring of the weather fluctuations the Kingdom experiences during this transitional period of the year.
Weather details and reduced visibility
The center explained in its report that the prevailing weather phenomenon is fog, which reduces horizontal visibility to between 3 and 5 kilometers in some areas, while in other locations the fog becomes so dense that visibility drops to near zero, ranging between 1 and 3 kilometers. This situation necessitates caution, especially for those traveling on highways and in open areas.
Areas and cities affected by the situation
The alert covered diverse geographical areas, including mountainous highlands, coastal and inland regions, and its distribution was as follows:
- Makkah Region: It includes the Holy City, Adham, Maysan, Al-Khurmah, Al-Muwayh, Turbah, Ranyah, in addition to tourist and mountainous areas such as Al-Shafa, Taif, and Al-Hada.
- Medina: The governorates of Al-Rais, Yanbu, and Al-Mahd were affected.
- Tabuk region: The situation was concentrated on the highlands in Jabal Al-Lawz, Halat Ammar, and Al-Aqan.
- Northern borders: included the cities of Arar and Tarif.
- Al-Jawf region: Dumat Al-Jandal, Sakaka, Al-Qurayyat, and Tabarjal.
- Al-Baha region: Al-Qura, Al-Mandaq, Al-Baha city, Baljurashi, and Bani Hassan.
- Jazan region: It included a wide area encompassing Darb, Bish, Abu Arish, Ahad Al Masarihah, Al Tuwal, Al Fatihah, Samtah, Sabya, Damad, Al Harth, Al Dayer, Al Reeth, Al Ardah, Al Aydabi, Fifa, and Haroub.
- Asir region: Al Majardah, Bariq, Rijal Alma, Mahayil, Abha, Ahad Rafidah, Khamis Mushait, Al Namas, Balqarn, and Tanomah.
The importance of warnings and the context of traffic safety
These warnings are of utmost importance given the direct impact of fog on traffic flow and road safety. Authorities, such as the Special Forces for Road Security and Civil Defense, typically urge drivers to exercise caution, use low-beam headlights, maintain a safe following distance, and avoid speeding in such conditions to ensure everyone's safety.
The Kingdom's climatic background and topography
Fog is a common phenomenon in the early morning hours in Saudi Arabia during the winter and spring seasons, particularly in mountainous and highland regions such as Asir, Al-Baha, and Taif. The rugged terrain, low nighttime temperatures, and high humidity all contribute to the condensation of water vapor and the formation of low-lying clouds (fog). The National Center of Meteorology plays a vital role in monitoring these changes using the latest technologies to provide accurate information that helps protect lives and property and supports vital sectors in the Kingdom.
