The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued weather conditions for Monday morning, warning of varying intensities of fog affecting large parts of five major regions in the Kingdom. The report indicated that this weather pattern would persist until 8:00 AM, urging citizens and residents, especially those traveling on highways, to exercise caution.
Weather details and affected areas
The weather report indicated that the effects of this weather system include a decrease in horizontal visibility to between 3 and 5 kilometers in some locations, while visibility may reach near-zero (1 to 3 kilometers) in others. The center identified the areas and cities covered by the warning as follows:
- Eastern Region: Al-Adid Governorate.
- Makkah Region: Al Qunfudhah, Al Ardiyat, Al Lith, and Adham.
- Jazan region: The alerts covered a wide area including Abu Arish, Ahad Al Masarihah, Al Tuwal, Al Fatihah, Samtah, Sabya, Damad, Al Darb, Baysh, Al Harth, Al Dayer, Al Reeth, Al Ardah, Al Aydabi, Fifa, and Haroub.
- Al-Baha region: Al-Hajrah, Al-Makhwah, Far'ah Ghamid Al-Zanad, and Qalwah.
- Asir region: Al-Barak, Al-Qahmah, Al-Majardah, Bariq, Rijal Alma’, and Mahayil.
The role of the National Center for Meteorology and the importance of early warning
These alerts are part of the vital role played by the National Center of Meteorology in monitoring and tracking various weather phenomena using the latest technologies, satellites, and climate radars. Through its automated early warning system, the center aims to provide accurate and immediate information to government agencies and the public, contributing to the protection of lives and property and reducing the risks posed by sudden weather changes.
These reports are of particular importance in the Kingdom due to the great geographical diversity, as coastal areas and mountainous highlands are affected by different weather phenomena that require continuous and accurate monitoring to ensure everyone’s safety.
Geographical context and the impact of fog on road safety
Fog is a common weather phenomenon at this time of year, especially in coastal areas with high humidity such as Jazan and Al Qunfudhah, or mountainous and highland regions like Asir and Al Baha. Fog typically forms as a result of water vapor condensing near the Earth's surface due to low temperatures and high relative humidity, leading to the formation of a low cloud that obscures visibility.
This warning is of paramount importance to the transportation sector and road safety, as reduced horizontal visibility increases the risk of traffic accidents. Therefore, relevant authorities, including the General Directorate of Traffic and Road Security, advise drivers to reduce their speed, use fog lights, maintain a safe distance between vehicles, and avoid using high beams, which can impair visibility and cause glare due to dense fog.
