Red alert: Dense fog in Riyadh and the Eastern Province, weather warnings issued
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an advanced red alert, warning of unstable weather conditions directly affecting large parts of the Eastern Province and Riyadh. This warning comes as part of ongoing monitoring of the weather situation, as these areas are experiencing a wave of dense fog leading to near-zero horizontal visibility, necessitating extreme caution from citizens and residents.
According to the center's data, the weather conditions in the Eastern Province include the governorates of Al-Ahsa, Al-Udayd, and Buqayq. The report indicated that dense fog would reduce visibility to one kilometer or less, a condition expected to persist until 8:00 AM on Sunday. These areas, particularly highways and open spaces, are considered the most vulnerable to the effects of this weather phenomenon due to their geographical nature and high humidity levels.
In parallel, the meteorology department issued a similar warning for the Riyadh , including the governorates of Al-Aflaj, Al-Kharj, and Hawtat Bani Tamim. The center warned that fog would cover open areas and highways connecting these governorates, posing a significant challenge to motorists during the night and early morning hours. This warning remains in effect until 8:00 AM, requiring drivers to exercise caution and drive safely.
Red alert indicators and the importance of adhering to instructions
The “red alert” in the National Center for Meteorology’s automated warning system is the highest level, indicating a severe weather phenomenon requiring immediate precautionary measures. Such alerts are typically accompanied by calls from the General Directorate of Civil Defense and Saudi Traffic Police urging drivers to avoid high speeds, use fog lights, and maintain safe distances between vehicles to prevent traffic accidents that may result from poor visibility.
Climate context and the impact of fog in the Kingdom
Dense fog is a common weather phenomenon in Saudi Arabia during the winter and spring seasons, particularly during the late night and early morning hours. This phenomenon occurs when the air becomes saturated with water vapor due to low minimum temperatures, causing the vapor to condense into water droplets that remain suspended near the ground. These warnings are especially important in the eastern and central regions due to the high traffic volume on the highways connecting major cities and industrial and oil-producing areas, making it crucial to follow weather forecasts for everyone's safety.
