The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an advanced weather alert today for the Eastern Province, warning of unstable weather conditions including light to moderate rainfall accompanied by strong surface winds. This alert is part of the ongoing monitoring of weather conditions across various regions of the Kingdom, urging citizens and residents, especially those traveling on highways, to exercise caution.
Weather details and affected areas
The center explained that the rainy weather system includes several vital cities and governorates, including Dammam, Dhahran, Khafji, Qaryat Al-Ulya, Nairyah, Ras Tanura, Qatif, Abqaiq, Al-Ahsa, and others. This system may develop into hail, flash floods in some valleys and ravines, and thunderstorms. The center also warned of the impact of strong winds on coastal areas, leading to high and turbulent sea waves, as well as dust storms that could cause near-zero horizontal visibility, especially in open areas and on highways.
Timing of the situation and special warnings for Hafr Al-Batin
According to the weather report, this weather condition is expected to continue, God willing, until 9:00 PM this evening. In a related matter, the center issued an additional warning for Hafr Al-Batin Governorate regarding active surface winds stirring up dust and sand, which may reduce horizontal visibility to between 3 and 5 kilometers. This condition is expected to persist until 6:00 PM. The relevant authorities emphasized the importance of drivers adhering to speed limits and maintaining a safe following distance to avoid traffic accidents caused by skidding or reduced visibility.
The climatic context and the importance of adhering to instructions
These warnings are particularly important given the Eastern Province's geographical nature and its location on the Arabian Gulf. The region typically experiences seasonal weather fluctuations at this time of year due to the interaction of air masses. These conditions directly impact maritime navigation and land transport, especially since the Eastern Province serves as a vital artery connecting the Kingdom to neighboring Gulf countries. The General Directorate of Civil Defense consistently urges the public to stay away from areas where water accumulates, including valleys and dams, and to avoid attempting to cross flooded areas, in order to protect lives and property.
An overview of the Kingdom's weather
The current weather conditions are not limited to the Eastern Province but extend to large parts of the Kingdom. The National Center for Meteorology's report indicated that the chance of thunderstorms of varying intensity, from moderate to heavy, remains, potentially leading to flash floods accompanied by hail and strong winds that may stir up dust and sand in parts of the Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, Makkah, and Riyadh regions. This reflects a state of atmospheric instability that requires continuous monitoring of official weather bulletins.
