Introduction to the weather conditions in the Eastern Province
The Eastern Province is experiencing significant weather fluctuations during these hours, with the National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issuing important and advanced warnings about the expected weather conditions. These warnings come as part of the relevant authorities' commitment to the safety of citizens and residents, given the rapid changes the region is witnessing, including strong surface winds and thunderstorms affecting several major cities and governorates.
Warning details: Strong winds and blowing dust
The National Center for Meteorology explained that the Eastern Province is experiencing a wave of active winds with speeds ranging from 40 to 49 kilometers per hour. These strong winds are directly causing dust and sandstorms, reducing horizontal visibility to between 3 and 5 kilometers, especially on highways and in open areas. This weather condition, which is expected to continue until 6:00 PM, includes the city of Dammam, Dhahran, and the governorates of Hafr Al-Batin, Khafji, Nairyah, Qaryat Al-Ulya, Jubail, Ras Tanura, Qatif, Khobar, Abqaiq, Al-Ahsa, and others.
Thunderstorms and hail are expected until the evening
In a related development, the National Center for Meteorology raised its alert level, warning of light to moderate rainfall across large parts of the region. This rainfall will be accompanied by hail, thunderstorms, and a significant increase in sea waves along the coastline. These combined factors will lead to near-zero horizontal visibility. This weather system, expected to persist until 11:00 PM, will primarily affect Dammam, Dhahran, Al-Ahsa, Abqaiq, Al-Udayd, Jubail, Ras Tanura, and Qatif.
Climatic context and local impact on the Eastern region
The Eastern Province is one of the largest regions in the Kingdom, characterized by its geographical location along the Arabian Gulf coast, making it susceptible to continuous climatic fluctuations, especially during seasonal transitions. Historically, the region experiences interactions between air masses originating from the land (desert) and those from the sea, generating active air currents and atmospheric instability that results in thunderstorms and dust storms. These conditions directly impact traffic on the highways connecting the region's cities to each other and to the capital, Riyadh, as well as maritime navigation and fishing in the Arabian Gulf.
The importance of early warnings and safety guidelines
Early warnings issued by the National Center of Meteorology play a vital role in mitigating weather-related risks. In such weather conditions, extreme caution is always advised, especially for drivers on highways to avoid accidents caused by poor visibility. Those with respiratory conditions and asthma are advised to stay indoors as much as possible during sandstorms, avoid going to sea or being near wadis and water bodies during thunderstorms, and stay updated on official weather information.
