The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued weather conditions during the coming hours, as the center raised the alert level to "red" in several regions, warning of a sharp decrease in horizontal visibility as a result of the formation of dense fog, in addition to the activity of winds that stir up dust and sand in other regions, which calls for caution and vigilance by drivers and highway users.
Red alert details and fog zones
The weather report indicated that dense fog would cover large parts of three main regions: Makkah, Al-Jawf, and the Northern Borders. This weather phenomenon would begin at 1:00 AM and continue until 8:00 AM, accompanied by near-zero horizontal visibility (less than 1 kilometer).
The center has precisely identified the affected areas to ensure the safety of residents and travelers, and they are as follows:
- Makkah Region: Includes Taif Governorate and the surrounding highlands.
- Al-Jawf region: It includes the governorates of Al-Qurayyat and Tabarjal.
- Northern Borders Region: The situation is concentrated in the province of Tarif.
Dust and strong winds in the eastern region
In a related development, the National Center of Meteorology warned of different effects on the Eastern Province, where parts of the region are experiencing active surface winds that will stir up dust and sand. This condition is expected to begin at 1:00 AM and continue until 9:00 AM on Wednesday.
The effects include a decrease in horizontal visibility to between (3-5) kilometers, and the situation covers the following cities and governorates: Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, Qatif, and Ras Tanura.
The importance of warnings and safety procedures
These warnings are of paramount importance given the direct impact of weather conditions on traffic and public safety. The National Center of Meteorology's automated early warning system is a vital tool for alerting citizens, residents, and relevant government agencies to take necessary precautions.
In such conditions, security and traffic authorities, such as Civil Defense and Traffic Police, typically urge drivers to adhere to speed limits, maintain a safe following distance, and use fog lights instead of high beams, which can impair visibility in fog. These warnings are part of ongoing efforts to raise environmental and climate awareness and mitigate the risks associated with seasonal weather fluctuations in the Kingdom.
