The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued weather , releasing a series of alerts regarding the formation of fog of varying density across large parts of the Kingdom. The center explained that this weather condition, which began in the early hours of Wednesday morning, is directly affecting horizontal visibility in seven major administrative regions, necessitating caution from citizens and residents, especially those using highways and open roads.
Weather details and its effects
The weather report indicated that fog ranged from moderate to dense, with this weather phenomenon persisting until 8:00 AM in some areas and extending until 9:00 AM in others. The most significant impact of this weather pattern was a reduction in horizontal visibility to between 3 and 5 kilometers in some locations, while other areas experienced near-zero visibility (1 to 3 kilometers). In areas experiencing dense fog, the center warned of near-zero visibility, dropping to one kilometer or less, posing a significant challenge to traffic.
Areas and cities affected by fog
The alerts covered diverse geographical areas, including coasts, highlands, and inland regions, and their distribution was as follows:
- Eastern Province: Warnings were issued for Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, Qatif, Ras Tanura, Al-Ahsa, Abqaiq, Khafji, Nairyah, Qaryat Al-Ulya, Hafr Al-Batin, and many others. The Eastern Province is among the most affected areas due to high humidity levels along the coast.
- Makkah Region: Coastal and mountainous governorates such as Rabigh, Al-Shuaiba, Al-Lith, Al-Qunfudhah, Jeddah, and Taif were affected.
- Asir region: included Al-Barak, Al-Qahmah, Al-Namas, Balqarn, Tanomah, Abha, Ahad Rafidah, and Khamis Mushait.
- Jazan region: Al Darb, Bish, Al Harth, Al Dayer, Al Reeth, Al Ardah, Al Eidabi, Fifa, and Haroub.
- Al-Baha region: Al-Mandaq, Baljurashi, Bani Hassan, and Qalwa.
- Al-Jawf region: Al-Qurayyat, Tabarjal, Dumat Al-Jandal, and Sakaka.
- Northern borders: Tarif, Rafha, Al-Uwaiqilah, and Arar.
The importance of warnings and safety procedures
These warnings are of paramount importance given the direct impact of fog on road safety. In such conditions, security and traffic authorities, such as the Special Forces for Road Security, typically urge drivers to adhere to traffic regulations specific to foggy weather. This includes using fog lights, avoiding high beams which can reduce visibility due to reflections on water droplets, maintaining a safe distance between vehicles, and reducing speed according to road conditions.
Fog is a common weather phenomenon in Saudi Arabia during seasonal transitions and in winter, when relative humidity increases and minimum temperatures drop, causing water vapor to condense near the Earth's surface. The National Center of Meteorology plays a vital role in monitoring these changes and issuing early warnings (yellow, orange, and red) to ensure the safety of lives and property and to enable relevant authorities to take necessary precautions.
