Saudi Arabia weather forecast for today: Rain, fog, and dust covering areas

The National Center for Meteorology issued its daily weather report for Saudi Arabia on Sunday, revealing significant weather fluctuations including scattered rainfall, fog formation, and active surface winds stirring up dust and sand across wide areas of the Kingdom. This report is part of the ongoing monitoring of weather changes affecting the country, urging citizens and residents to exercise caution.

Weather details and affected areas

According to the center's statement, the Kingdom's weather map indicates the continued impact of active winds that reduce horizontal visibility due to dust and sandstorms. This impact is particularly concentrated on the eastern parts of the highlands in the western and southwestern regions. This condition also extends to parts of the Madinah, Hail, Qassim, and Riyadh regions, reaching as far as the northern parts of the Eastern Province, which may affect traffic and travel on the highways connecting these areas.

In a related context, the weather report did not rule out the possibility of scattered rainfall that may be accompanied by dense fog, specifically in parts of the aforementioned regions, in addition to parts of the Al-Jawf and Northern Borders regions, which necessitates caution while driving in the early morning or late night hours.

The climatic and geographical context of the Kingdom

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is characterized by its vast geographical area and diverse topography, making it susceptible to multiple climatic patterns simultaneously. While the northern regions may experience lower temperatures and rainfall due to the influence of low-pressure systems originating from the Mediterranean Sea, the central and eastern regions may suffer from dust storms resulting from surface wind activity and variations in atmospheric pressure. These fluctuations are a prominent feature of the Kingdom's climate, particularly during the transitional periods between seasons, when different air masses interact.

Expected effects and safety recommendations

Given the expected weather conditions, adhering to public safety guidelines is crucial. Dust-laden winds are expected to reduce horizontal visibility, posing a risk to motorists using highways and open roads. Doctors and specialists advise those with respiratory conditions and asthma to avoid direct exposure to dust and take necessary precautions. Furthermore, areas prone to rain and fog require drivers to reduce speed and maintain a safe distance between vehicles to prevent traffic accidents.

State of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf

Regarding the marine situation, the National Center for Meteorology provided the following details:

Red Sea

• Surface winds: They will be northwesterly to northerly in the northern and central parts, and will turn southeasterly to southerly in the southern part, with speeds ranging from 15 to 30 km/h, and may reach 45 km/h with the formation of thunderclouds.
• Wave height: It ranges from half a meter to one and a half meters, and may reach two meters in the event of thunderstorms and rain over the central and southern parts.
• Sea conditions: Described as light to moderate waves, and may become rough with thunderstorms.

Arabian Gulf

• Surface winds: Northwesterly at a speed of 15-30 km/h, reaching speeds of up to 45 km/h with the formation of thunderclouds over the northern part.
• Wave height: from half a meter to one and a half meters, reaching two meters with rainy thunderclouds in the north.
• Sea state: Light to moderate waves, turning rough when thunderstorms form over the northern part.