The National Center for Meteorology issued an urgent weather report, warning of varying intensity fog affecting large parts of the Kingdom. The center explained that this weather condition is impacting 11 administrative regions, with the phenomenon beginning in the early hours of Friday morning and continuing until 8:00 or 9:00 AM in some areas. Drivers and highway users are advised to exercise caution.
Weather details and reduced visibility
The report indicated that the fog ranged from moderate to dense, leading to a critically low level of horizontal visibility. In some areas, visibility dropped to between 3 and 5 kilometers, while others experienced near-zero visibility ranging from 1 to 3 kilometers. In areas experiencing heavy fog, the center warned of a complete loss of horizontal visibility, dropping to less than one kilometer, which poses a serious threat to road safety.
Affected areas and cities
The alerts covered a wide geographical area encompassing most parts of the Kingdom, and the distribution of affected cities was as follows:
- Eastern Province: Warnings were issued for Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, Dhahran, Qatif, Ras Tanura, Al Udayd, Khafji, Nairyah, Qaryat Al Ulya, and Hafr Al Batin. These areas are vital due to their population density and industrial activity.
- Riyadh region: The capital Riyadh and its suburbs were affected, in addition to Al-Zulfi, Al-Ghat, Al-Majma’ah, Shaqra, Al-Hariq, Al-Kharj, Al-Dilam, Al-Muzahmiya, Hawtat Bani Tamim, Thadiq, Huraymila, Rumah, Marat, Dhurma, and Al-Diriyah.
- Makkah Region: The fog extended to include Jeddah, Taif, Rabigh, Al-Muwayh, Turabah, Al-Ardiyat, Al-Qunfudhah, Al-Lith, Khulais, Al-Kamil, Al-Shuaiba, Adham, and Maysan.
- Other regions: The situation included Madinah (Al-Ula, Al-Ais, Al-Mahd), Tabuk (Tayma), Al-Baha with all its governorates, Asir (Abha, Khamis Mushait, and others), Jazan (including coastal and mountainous areas), Al-Jawf, and the Northern Borders.
Climate context and the importance of the warning
This weather phenomenon is part of the typical climatic shifts during winter in Saudi Arabia. At this time of year, conditions are favorable for the formation of radiation fog, particularly during the late night and early morning hours, due to lower temperatures, higher relative humidity, and calm winds. This phenomenon is a prominent feature of the Kingdom's weather in coastal areas, mountainous regions, and central areas during the colder months.
Expected effects and safety guidelines
These warnings are of paramount importance given the direct impact of fog on transportation. Highways connecting major cities, such as the Riyadh-Dammam road or the Al-Hada road in Taif, are significantly affected by reduced visibility, which can lead to delays in road travel and an increased likelihood of traffic accidents. Relevant authorities, including the General Directorate of Traffic and Road Security, consistently urge drivers in such conditions to use fog lights, avoid using high beams, maintain a safe following distance, and reduce their speed according to road conditions to ensure everyone's safety.
