The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued Dumat Al-Jandal, Al-Qurayyat, and Tabuk .
The center explained that active surface winds will begin affecting the region from 9:00 AM until 6:00 PM on Sunday. Wind speeds are expected to range between 40 and 49 kilometers per hour. This speed is sufficient to stir up dust and sand, leading to a significant decrease in horizontal visibility, which poses a major challenge to traffic on highways and in open areas.
The climatic context of the Al-Jawf region
The Al-Jawf region, located in the northern part of the Kingdom, is known for its desert climate, characterized by sharp weather fluctuations, especially during the transitional periods between seasons. Strong, dust-laden winds are a common climatic feature of the region, often resulting from the influence of low-pressure systems from the north or variations in atmospheric pressure. These phenomena play a significant role in shaping the region's landscape and directly impact the daily activities of its inhabitants, including agriculture, for which Al-Jawf is renowned, such as olive and date palm cultivation.
Importance and expected effects
This alert is of utmost importance due to the potential impact on public safety and health. Locally, drivers are advised to exercise extreme caution and reduce speed due to the expected decrease in visibility, which increases the likelihood of traffic accidents. The center also urges relevant authorities, such as Civil Defense and Highway Patrol, to raise their level of preparedness to deal with any emergency that may arise from this weather condition.
From a health perspective, experts recommend that those with respiratory conditions, asthma, the elderly, and children avoid going out in such weather unless absolutely necessary. They also stress the importance of wearing protective masks to minimize the inhalation of dust and sand. Furthermore, they advise securing loose objects on rooftops and buildings to prevent them from being blown away by strong winds.
This warning comes as part of the ongoing efforts of the National Center for Meteorology to monitor weather phenomena and provide accurate and early information to citizens and residents, with the aim of promoting preventive awareness and reducing potential risks, in line with its vital role in the Kingdom’s emergency and crisis management system.
