National Center of Meteorology weather warnings
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued urgent weather warnings, cautioning against the formation of fog of varying intensity, reaching dense fog levels, across large parts of six major regions in the Kingdom during the early morning hours of Monday. These warnings come as part of the authorities' commitment to the safety of citizens and residents, particularly given the current climate changes affecting the region.
The report issued by the center explained that the effects accompanying this weather condition are represented by the near-zero visibility, where the visibility ranges between (1-3) kilometers in some places, while it reaches the stage of complete absence with a visibility range of one kilometer or less in locations that witness a high density of fog.
Areas where fog is prevalent in the Kingdom
The National Center for Meteorology has identified in detail the areas where fog is expected to spread, as follows:
- Eastern Province: Includes Jubail, Khobar, Khafji, Dammam, Dhahran, Qatif, Ras Tanura, Al-Ahsa, Al-Udayd, and Abqaiq.
- Makkah Region: The weather conditions are concentrated in Maysan.
- Al-Baha region: includes villages, Al-Mandaq, Al-Baha, Baljurashi, and Bani Hassan.
- Asir region: Affects Al Namas, Balqarn, Tanomah, Abha, Ahad Rafidah, Khamis Mushait, Al Harjah, Al Rabwah, Al Farsha, Sarat Abidah, and Dhahran Al Janoub.
- Jazan region: includes Al-Harth, Al-Dayer, Al-Raith, Al-Ardah, Al-Aydabi, Fifa, Haroub, Abu Arish, Ahad Al-Masarihah, Al-Tawal, Al-Fatihah, Samtah, Sabya, and Damad.
- Najran region: Affects Badr Al Janoub, Thar, Habuna, Khubash, Najran, and Yadma.
Climatic context and history of fog formation in Saudi Arabia
Historically and climatologically, dense fog formation in Saudi Arabia is a common weather phenomenon during the transitional periods between seasons, especially with the onset of winter and the drop in temperatures. The chances of fog formation increase in coastal areas such as the Eastern Province due to high humidity levels from the Arabian Gulf, as well as in the southwestern mountainous regions like Asir and Al-Baha, which are characterized by their high topography and constant exposure to humid air masses.
The expected impact of fog on daily life
Locally and regionally, this weather event has a direct impact on several vital sectors. From a traffic perspective, the lack of horizontal visibility poses a significant challenge to driver safety on highways and local roads. The General Directorate of Traffic consistently emphasizes the need for extreme caution in such conditions, urging drivers to use fog lights, reduce speed, and maintain a safe distance between vehicles to avoid traffic accidents.
The dense fog also impacts air and sea traffic, as some airports and ports in affected areas may have to temporarily postpone or reschedule flights to ensure the highest safety and security standards for passengers and commercial cargo. This ongoing coordination between the National Center of Meteorology and various state sectors reflects the advanced level of crisis management and the efficient handling of weather phenomena, minimizing potential risks and protecting lives and property.
