The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued weather Wednesday, warning of varying weather conditions affecting large parts of the Kingdom. These conditions range from dense fog that reduces visibility in the early morning hours to severe dust storms that prompted the issuance of a "red alert" in some areas, urging citizens and residents to take precautions.
Fog details and reduced visibility
The center explained in its report that fog is affecting parts of six major regions, reducing horizontal visibility to between 3 and 5 kilometers, and in some areas to near zero (1 to 3 kilometers). This condition is expected to persist until 8:00 and 9:00 AM. The affected areas include:
- Eastern Province: Includes Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, Dhahran, Qatif, Ras Tanura, Al-Ahsa, Abqaiq, and many others.
- Makkah Region: Includes Jeddah, Taif, Rabigh, Al Qunfudhah, Al Lith, Al Ardiyat, Adham, Maysan, Al Khurmah, Al Muwayh, and Turbah.
- Medina: includes Yanbu, Al Mahd, Al Rais, and Wadi Al Fara.
- Asir region: includes Abha, Khamis Mushait, Al Namas, Tanomah, Ahad Rafidah, Al Harjah, Al Rabua, Al Farsha, Sarat Abidah, Dhahran Al Janoub, Al Majardah, Bariq, Rijal Alma, and Mahayil.
- Al-Baha region: It includes Al-Baha, Baljurashi, Al-Mandaq, Al-Hajrah, Al-Makhwah, Far’ah Ghamid Al-Zanad, Qalwah, Al-Qura, and Bani Hassan.
- Jazan region: includes Fifa, Al-Ardah, Haroub, Al-Harth, Al-Dayer, Al-Raith, and Al-Aydabi.
Red alert: Dust storms in the north
In a related development, the center issued a red alert for the Northern Borders and Al-Jawf regions, warning of dust storms and strong winds starting at 9:00 AM and continuing until 6:00 PM. This weather condition will cause near-zero horizontal visibility (one kilometer or less), posing a danger to motorists on highways.
- Northern borders: include Arar, Tarif, and Al-Uwaiqilah.
- Al-Jawf: includes Sakaka, Dumat Al-Jandal, Al-Qurayyat, and Tabarjal.
The importance of warnings and safety guidelines
These warnings are of paramount importance due to their direct impact on land travel between the Kingdom's cities and provinces. Authorities consistently urge drivers to exercise caution while driving in such conditions, particularly in open areas experiencing surface winds that stir up dust and sand, potentially leading to traffic accidents due to reduced visibility.
Weather and traffic safety experts advise using fog lights in affected areas in the mornings and avoiding high speeds. They also stress the importance of following Civil Defense and traffic police guidelines to ensure everyone's safety. Furthermore, those with respiratory conditions and asthma in the northern and Al-Jawf regions are advised to avoid direct exposure to dust during the red alert period to protect their health.
climatic and geographical context
These weather fluctuations are part of the typical climatic patterns of Saudi Arabia, where northern regions are often affected by air masses and passing low-pressure systems that stir up dust and sand, while high humidity levels from the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf contribute to the formation of dense fog over coastal areas and mountainous regions. This report reflects the accuracy of the monitoring and automated surveillance conducted by the National Center of Meteorology to ensure the safety of lives and property through its early warning system.
