The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an important weather alert for the coming hours, indicating that dust and sandstorms will continue to affect large parts of the Riyadh and Najran regions. The report explained that this weather condition, along with the accompanying reduced horizontal visibility, will persist until 2:00 AM on Friday.
Details of the areas affected by the weather conditions
According to the center's report, the weather conditions will affect several governorates in the Riyadh region, specifically Al-Aflaj, As-Sulayyil, and Wadi Ad-Dawasir. In the Najran region, the center warned that the effects will extend to Sharurah and surrounding areas. These conditions are characterized by strong surface winds that will stir up dust and sand, reducing horizontal visibility to between 3 and 5 kilometers. This necessitates caution from road users.
The geographical and climatic context of the affected areas
These warnings are particularly important given the geographical nature of the aforementioned areas; the governorates of Wadi Al-Dawasir, As-Sulayyil, and Sharurah lie on the edge of the Rub' al Khali desert. These areas are characterized by their open desert landscape and loose, sandy soil, making them highly susceptible to any wind activity. Active winds can quickly transform into dust storms or sandstorms, directly impacting air quality and visibility. These phenomena are part of the region's climatic characteristics, especially during seasonal transitions or when the area is affected by high or low pressure systems that cause variations in atmospheric pressure.
The importance of warnings and safety measures
These warnings come as part of ongoing efforts to enhance public safety, as dust storms directly impact the transportation sector, particularly on highways connecting provinces and major cities. Experts advise drivers to follow traffic safety guidelines, reduce speed, and use hazard lights when necessary. Dust also poses potential health risks, especially for the elderly, children, and those with respiratory conditions such as asthma and allergies, necessitating staying indoors as much as possible during periods of high winds.
The role of the National Center for Meteorology
The National Center for Meteorology operates around the clock to monitor weather changes using the latest technologies, including weather radars and satellites, with the aim of providing accurate and immediate information to the public and relevant authorities. These early warnings are a vital tool that helps service and security agencies take the necessary measures to deal with weather conditions and reduce potential risks to lives and property, reflecting the significant development witnessed in the Kingdom's meteorological sector.
