The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued weather conditions , warning of significant weather fluctuations including the formation of fog of varying intensity, reaching the level of density, in addition to a cold wave leading to frost formation in several regions, during the early morning hours of Tuesday.
Details of the fog and reduced visibility
The center explained in its bulletin that the fog phenomenon will continue until 8:00 AM in some areas and extend to 9:00 AM in others. This condition is accompanied by a significant decrease in horizontal visibility, ranging between 3 and 5 kilometers, while it may become almost completely obscured, dropping to 1 to 3 kilometers. In areas of dense fog, visibility may fall below one kilometer, necessitating caution.
The areas affected by the fog include large parts of the Kingdom, namely:
- Eastern Province: Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, Dhahran, Qatif, and Ras Tanura.
- Makkah Al-Mukarramah: Al-Ardiyat, Al-Khurmah, Al-Muwayh, Turbah, Ranyah, Al-Qunfudhah, Al-Layth, Taif, and Maysan.
- Medina: Al-Rais and Yanbu.
- Jazan: Al Darb, Bish, Al Harth, Al Dayer, Al Reeth, Al Ardah, Al Eidabi, Fifa, Haroub, Abu Arish, Ahad Al Masarihah, Al Tuwal, Al Fatihah, Samtah, Sabya, Damad, and Farasan Island.
- Asir: Al Majardah, Bariq, Rijal Alma, Mahayil, Al Birk, Al Qahmah, Abha, Ahad Rafidah, Khamis Mushait, Al Namas, Balqarn, and Tanomah.
- Al-Baha: Al-Qura, Al-Mandaq, Al-Baha, Baljurashi, and Bani Hassan.
- Northern borders: Al-Uwaiqilah, Rafha, Arar, and Tarif.
- Al-Jawf: Dumat Al-Jandal, Sakaka, Al-Qurayyat, and Tabarjal.
A cold wave and frost in the north of the Kingdom
In a related development, the National Center for Meteorology warned of a cold wave affecting three major regions in the north of the Kingdom, beginning at 1:00 AM and continuing until 8:00 AM. This wave will cause a significant drop in temperatures, ranging from 0 to 3 degrees Celsius, creating conditions conducive to frost formation.
Areas affected by the cold wave include:
- Tabuk: Specifically the highlands such as Jabal Al-Lawz and Al-Aqan, which usually experience record low temperatures during the winter season.
- Northern borders: Hazm al-Jalamid and Tarif.
- Al-Jawf: Al-Qurayyat and Tabarjal.
Climate context and weather effects
These weather fluctuations come within the context of the Kingdom’s usual climate during this time of year, as the northern regions are affected by cold air masses coming from the north, while high humidity and low temperatures at night contribute to the formation of dense fog on the coastal areas and mountainous highlands.
Fog is a weather phenomenon that directly affects land and sea navigation, as the lack of visibility increases the risk of traffic accidents, especially on highways and open roads connecting governorates. Authorities urge drivers to use fog lights, maintain a safe following distance, and avoid speeding to ensure their safety.
From an economic and social perspective, these cold waves and frost formation in northern regions (such as Tarif and Al Qurayyat) may affect exposed agricultural crops, prompting farmers to take preventive measures to protect their crops from damage caused by freezing.
