The National Center for Meteorology issued today a series of urgent weather alerts covering several regions, warning of significant weather fluctuations ranging from active winds stirring up dust, to cold frost waves and reduced horizontal visibility, which calls for caution and vigilance on the part of citizens, residents and highway users.
Eastern Province weather details: winds and frost
In the Eastern Province, the center warned of significant surface wind activity reaching speeds of 40-49 kilometers per hour. This includes the governorates of Buqayq and Al-Ahsa , where the winds will stir up dust and sand, causing near-zero or reduced horizontal visibility, especially in open areas and on highways. The center indicated that this weather condition is expected to continue, God willing, until 5:00 PM.
Along with the winds, the center warned of cold wave that could contribute to frost formation, particularly in the governorates of Hafr Al-Batin and Al-Nairiyah . Forecasts indicate a significant drop in temperatures, reaching near zero degrees Celsius and potentially as low as -3 degrees Celsius, necessitating the implementation of necessary precautions to protect against the effects of the extreme cold.
Dust storms in Najran and strong winds in Hail
Najran region . This condition is impacting the city of Najran and the governorates of Badr Al-Janoub, Thar, Yadmah, Khubash, and Habuna. The dust storms are causing near-zero horizontal visibility, ranging from 1 to 3 kilometers, and are expected to persist until 3:00 PM.
As for the Hail , the center issued a warning about strong winds affecting open areas and highways, with speeds reaching (40-49) km/h, leading to a decrease in horizontal visibility, and continuing until 8 pm.
General context and importance of aerial monitoring
These weather fluctuations are part of the winter climate currently affecting Saudi Arabia, a period typically characterized by active surface winds (sometimes known locally as northerly winds) and the influx of cold air masses. The National Center for Meteorology plays a vital and pivotal role in monitoring these changes using the latest technologies and satellites to ensure accurate information reaches the public and relevant authorities.
These warnings are of paramount importance due to their direct impact on daily life and public safety. From a health perspective, dust and airborne particles can affect those with respiratory conditions and asthma, necessitating staying indoors as much as possible. As for traffic safety, reduced visibility on highways connecting the cities of the Eastern Province or Hail is a hazardous factor requiring drivers to reduce their speed and use hazard lights.
Furthermore, frost warnings in the northern and eastern regions (such as Hafr al-Batin) are of particular importance to the agricultural sector and livestock breeders, as a sharp drop in temperatures below zero can affect crops and livestock if the necessary precautions for heating and protection are not taken.
