Red alert and heightened readiness in the capital
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued a red alert for the Riyadh region on Tuesday, warning of a severe dust storm accompanied by strong winds, which has led to a sharp decrease in horizontal visibility. The center explained that this weather condition includes the capital, Riyadh, and the governorates of Zulfi, Ghat, Majmaah, and Shaqra, and its effects are expected to continue until 9:00 PM.
According to the warning, active winds stirring up dust and sand may lead to near-zero visibility, with visibility expected to drop to less than one kilometer in some affected areas, necessitating extreme caution.
The climatic context of dust storms in the region
Dust and sandstorms are a common weather phenomenon in the Arabian Peninsula, and Saudi Arabia is periodically affected by them due to its geographical location and vast desert landscape, which includes major deserts such as the Empty Quarter and the Great Nafud. These storms typically arise from the passage of strong low-pressure systems or the activity of monsoon winds, such as the northerly winds, which blow strongly during the spring and summer months, carrying enormous quantities of sand and dust from the arid desert regions. These phenomena intensify during periods of drought or low rainfall, when the surface soil is loose and more easily blown by the wind.
Expected effects and safety guidelines
These storms have far-reaching effects on various aspects of life. On the health front, the Ministry of Health warned citizens and residents, especially those with respiratory illnesses and asthma, the elderly, and children, against direct exposure to dust and sand, advising them to stay indoors and keep windows tightly closed. If going out is unavoidable, the Ministry stressed the importance of wearing protective masks.
Regarding transportation, reduced visibility poses a significant risk to traffic, potentially leading to accidents. The General Directorate of Civil Defense urged drivers to exercise extreme caution, reduce speed, and maintain a safe distance between vehicles. Air traffic at King Khalid International Airport may also be affected, with the possibility of delays or rescheduling of some flights to ensure the safety of aircraft and passengers. Relevant authorities continue to monitor weather developments and urge everyone to follow updates issued by the National Center of Meteorology and to adhere to safety instructions.
