The National Center for Meteorology issued its daily report on weather conditions on Wednesday in various regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, indicating significant weather fluctuations characterized by a decrease in temperatures and surface wind activity, which calls for taking precautions, especially for those using highways.
Climate context and weather fluctuations
These forecasts come amidst the transitional period the Kingdom is experiencing, a time typically characterized by the interplay of cold and warm air masses, resulting in atmospheric instability. The Kingdom's vast desert landscape plays a significant role in the impact of wind activity on open areas, which stirs up dust and sand – locally known as dust storms – potentially leading to a substantial decrease in horizontal visibility, thus affecting land transportation and navigation.
Weather details for the regions
The report indicated that the Kingdom is experiencing a noticeable drop in temperatures, accompanied by active surface winds that are stirring up dust and sand. This activity will reduce horizontal visibility across large areas, including Tabuk, Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders, Hail, and Madinah. These regions are considered the most vulnerable to low-pressure systems coming from the north and northwest.
Conversely, there remains a chance of light rain, with thunderstorms and partly to mostly cloudy skies expected over parts of Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir, and Jazan regions. This chance extends to parts of northern and eastern Saudi Arabia. The center also warned of the possibility of fog forming during the night and early morning hours over the western and southwestern highlands, which could reduce visibility.
The state of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
Regarding the sea conditions, the Red Sea is experiencing northwesterly to northerly surface winds in the northern and central parts, and southeasterly to southerly winds in the southern part, with speeds ranging from 25 to 45 km/h, with wave heights reaching two and a half meters, making the sea state moderate to rough.
As for the Arabian Gulf, the winds there turn northwesterly in the evening, reaching speeds of up to 50 km/h with the formation of thunderclouds, which raises the waves to two and a half meters, turning the sea state into a turbulent one at times.
Special alerts for the Eastern Province
The National Center for Meteorology issued specific warnings for the Eastern Province, anticipating continued dust storms and blowing sand. These conditions will affect the cities of Khafji, Nairyah, and Qaryat Al-Ulya, with dust storms expected from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, accompanied by reduced visibility (3-5 km). Meanwhile, Hafr Al-Batin, Nairyah, and Qaryat Al-Ulya will experience blowing sand and strong winds that may reduce visibility to near zero (1-3 km) from 10:00 AM until evening.
The importance of following weather forecasts
These reports are of paramount importance to citizens and residents, as they help in planning daily activities and avoiding potential risks, whether health risks for those with respiratory conditions due to dust, or traffic safety hazards. Experts always advise staying updated by official authorities to ensure public safety.
