The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued a detailed report on the expected weather conditions for Wednesday, warning of weather fluctuations directly affecting large parts of the Makkah and Eastern Provinces. These warnings are part of the center's ongoing monitoring of weather changes to ensure the safety of citizens and residents.
Weather details in Mecca
The center explained that the Makkah region will experience significant surface wind activity, which may stir up dust and sand, particularly between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Forecasts indicate that the impact of these active winds will be concentrated in the governorates of Taif, Maysan, and Al-Kamil, where wind speeds may reach between 40 and 49 kilometers per hour, causing a decrease in horizontal visibility.
In a related context, the Meteorology Department warned of dust storms that may affect open areas such as Al-Khurmah, Al-Muwayh, Turbah, and Ranyah more significantly, where horizontal visibility is expected to decrease to between 2 and 5 kilometers, necessitating caution while driving on the highways connecting these governorates.
Weather effects on the Eastern region
Moving to the Eastern Province, the situation is not much different, with the center warning of strong winds and blowing dust affecting several coastal and inland cities. The alert includes Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, Dhahran, Qatif, and Ras Tanura. In addition to reduced visibility, the center warned of high waves along the coast, which could affect maritime activities and small-scale navigation.
The forecast also indicated the presence of raised dust including Al-Ahsa, Al-Udayd and Abqaiq, accompanied by active winds leading to near-zero horizontal visibility at some times, and this condition will continue until 6 pm today.
The importance of early warning and safety measures
These alerts are of paramount importance given the Kingdom's geographical nature, where winds play a significant role in shaping daily weather patterns. The automated early warning system of the National Center for Meteorology is one of the most important technological tools contributing to the protection of lives and property by anticipating severe weather events.
Experts advise that in such conditions, it is essential to follow public safety guidelines, especially for those with respiratory conditions and asthma who may be affected by dust storms. Drivers are also advised to maintain a safe distance, use hazard lights when necessary, and avoid high speeds due to the possibility of shifting sand dunes on highways or a sudden loss of visibility.
