The National Center for Meteorology in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia issued an important alert to the residents and visitors of Tarif Governorate in the Northern Borders region, warning of a weather condition that requires caution and vigilance, which is the formation of dense fog that leads to a significant decrease in horizontal visibility levels.
Weather details and timing
The center explained in its report that the expected weather conditions will begin to have a noticeable impact starting at 9:00 PM this Friday and will continue until 9:00 AM tomorrow, Saturday. The warning includes highways and open areas in the governorate, where horizontal visibility is expected to decrease to levels that may impede normal traffic flow, necessitating the taking of all necessary precautions.
Tarif... a unique geographical area with a harsh winter climate
These warnings are particularly important given the geographical and climatic characteristics of Tarif Governorate. Located in the far north of the Kingdom, Tarif is known for being one of the coldest regions in the Arabian Peninsula during winter. Historically, the governorate has recorded record-breaking sub-zero temperatures, making it a fertile ground for the formation of winter weather phenomena such as fog and frost.
Fog typically forms in these areas due to the convergence of cold air masses with high humidity levels, particularly during the late night and early morning hours. This phenomenon is a characteristic feature of the northern regions of the Kingdom, which are directly affected by low-pressure systems originating from the eastern Mediterranean or Siberia.
The importance of adhering to traffic safety guidelines
In these conditions, traffic safety and civil defense authorities consistently emphasize the importance of following safe driving guidelines during foggy conditions. These guidelines include:
- Reduce speed in accordance with the field of vision.
- Use fog lights or low beam lights instead of high beam lights, which may scatter vision due to light reflecting off water droplets.
- Leave a sufficient safety distance between vehicles to avoid sudden accidents.
- Avoid sudden changes in lane and use warning signals when necessary.
The role of the early warning system
This alert comes as part of the National Center for Meteorology's efforts through its automated early warning system, which aims to protect lives and property by providing citizens and residents with accurate and up-to-date information on weather fluctuations. Following these bulletins is crucial for those traveling on international roads connecting the Kingdom to neighboring countries via the northern region, as transportation and shipping are directly affected by such weather changes.
