Today's weather forecast for Thursday: Winds, dust, and fog in Saudi Arabia
The National Center for Meteorology issued its daily weather Thursday, forecasting continued weather fluctuations across several regions of Saudi Arabia. The report indicates significant surface wind activity stirring up dust and sand, which may reduce horizontal visibility in wide areas, including parts of Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders, Hail, and Al-Qassim, as well as the eastern parts of the Madinah region.
Fog and its impact on coastal areas
In a related development, the meteorological department warned of the possibility of dense fog forming during the night and early morning hours, urging drivers to exercise caution, particularly in the coastal areas of Makkah and the Eastern Province. These weather phenomena are part of the typical climatic characteristics of the transitional period the Kingdom is experiencing, marked by frequent fluctuations in visibility due to dust or fog.
State of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
Regarding the sea conditions, the report indicated that the Red Sea is experiencing northwesterly to northerly surface winds in its northern and central parts, with speeds ranging from 25 to 45 km/h, potentially reaching 55 km/h towards the Gulf of Aqaba, resulting in rough seas in those areas. The southern part of the Red Sea is experiencing southeasterly to southwesterly winds. As for the Arabian Gulf, the winds are northeasterly to southeasterly, with wave heights ranging from half a meter to one meter, and the sea state is generally calm.
Special alerts for the Eastern Province and Riyadh
The National Center for Meteorology issued advanced warnings for the Eastern Province and Riyadh region regarding blowing dust, starting in the morning and continuing until the evening. In the Eastern Province, the warning covers the governorates of Hafr Al-Batin, Al-Nairiyah, and Qaryat Al-Ulya, while in the Riyadh region it covers the governorates of Al-Zulfi, Al-Ghat, Al-Majma'ah, and Shaqra. This weather pattern will be accompanied by strong winds and a decrease in horizontal visibility to between 3 and 5 kilometers.
The importance of weather warnings and public safety
These reports are crucial for maintaining public safety, as strong winds and dust storms directly impact traffic on highways and open roads. Experts consistently advise checking weather forecasts regularly to avoid traveling during peak dust storm periods, especially for those with respiratory conditions and asthma who are directly affected by these conditions.
This weather condition reflects the geographical nature of the Kingdom and its susceptibility to low and high pressure systems that contribute to dust storms or fog formation, which underscores the need to adhere to the instructions of relevant authorities such as Civil Defense and Traffic to ensure everyone’s safety.
