Meteorology: Dust and active winds in Najran and Sharurah until the evening
The National Center for Meteorology issued an important alert today, Friday, for residents and visitors of the Najran region, warning of a weather condition characterized by strong surface winds and dust storms, leading to a significant decrease in horizontal visibility. These alerts are part of the ongoing monitoring of weather conditions across the Kingdom to ensure the safety of citizens and residents.
Weather details and affected locations
The center explained in its report that the dust storm and strong winds will directly affect the city of Najran, as well as several of its surrounding governorates: Badr Al-Janoub, Habuna, Thar, Yadma, and Khubash. Forecasts indicate that horizontal visibility will range between 3 and 5 kilometers, necessitating caution while traveling. The center indicated that this weather condition is expected to end, God willing, at 6:00 PM today.
Weather conditions in Sharurah Governorate
In a related development, the National Center for Meteorology warned of the continued impact of dust storms on Sharurah Governorate, where active winds are contributing to dust storms and reduced horizontal visibility to the same levels expected in other governorates of the region (3-5 km). This condition is expected to persist until 6:00 PM, requiring drivers on highways in these areas to exercise extreme caution.
Geographical and climatic context of the region
These warnings are particularly important given the geographical nature of the Najran region and its governorates, large parts of which lie adjacent to the Rub' al Khali desert. This desert environment makes the region susceptible to rapid weather changes, especially regarding wind activity that carries dust and sand, a phenomenon known locally as dust storms, which typically occur during seasonal transitions or when the region is affected by air masses of varying pressure.
The importance of early warning and safety procedures
The National Center of Meteorology's automated early warning system plays a pivotal role in maintaining public safety, as these proactive alerts enable relevant authorities and individuals to take necessary precautions. On the health front, doctors and specialists advise that during these conditions, those with respiratory illnesses and asthma, the elderly, and children should remain indoors as much as possible and wear masks when going out when necessary to avoid health complications resulting from inhaling dust.
Security and traffic authorities also urge drivers on highways linking Najran to its governorates or to the Riyadh and Eastern regions to adhere to the specified speeds, leave sufficient distance between vehicles, and use warning signals when visibility is zero, to ensure everyone reaches their destinations safely.
