The National Center for Meteorology issued its daily weather for Tuesday in Saudi Arabia, indicating continued weather fluctuations characterized by active surface winds that will stir up dust and sand. This weather pattern will directly affect horizontal visibility in several vital areas, necessitating caution from citizens and residents, especially those traveling on highways.
Weather details and affected areas
The report explained that the impact of active winds and accompanying dust storms will be concentrated in parts of the Al-Jawf and Northern Borders , extending to parts of the Hail, Qassim, Riyadh, and Eastern Province regions . These weather phenomena are part of the Kingdom's climatic pattern, where the desert terrain plays a significant role in the speed with which the atmosphere is affected by wind movement, leading to dust storms and reduced visibility.
In a related development, there remains a chance of light rain in parts of northern Saudi Arabia, along with the possibility of fog during the night and early morning hours, which could increase driving challenges at those times. Rain and fog are also expected in parts of the southwestern highlands, specifically in the Jazan and Asir regions.
Climate context and weather effects
These weather fluctuations are a typical feature of the Arabian Peninsula's climate during transitional periods and between seasons. Historically, the Kingdom experiences surface wind activity at such times, which can sometimes develop into temporary sandstorms, impacting daily life and land and sea navigation. Monitoring these reports is crucial for enhancing public safety, as early warnings help reduce traffic accidents caused by poor visibility and enable relevant authorities to take necessary precautions.
State of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
Regarding the sea conditions, the center indicated that surface winds over the Red Sea will be northerly to northwesterly at speeds ranging from 20 to 40 km/h, with wave heights between one and two meters, resulting in a slight to moderate sea state. In the Arabian Gulf, winds will be more active, blowing from the west to northwest at speeds reaching 50 km/h, leading to wave heights of up to two and a half meters, resulting in a moderate to rough sea state.
Special alert for the Eastern Province
The center issued a special warning for the Eastern Province regarding blowing dust , with the conditions expected to begin at 9:00 AM and continue until 7:00 PM. The warning covers the cities and governorates of Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, Qatif, Ras Tanura, Al-Ahsa, Al-Udayd, Abqaiq, Hafr Al-Batin, Khafji, Nairyah, and Qaryat Al-Ulya. This weather condition is expected to cause near-zero horizontal visibility (1-3 kilometers) and high waves, necessitating extreme caution.
