Urgent warnings from the National Center for Meteorology
Amid the current weather fluctuations in Saudi Arabia, the National Center for Meteorology issued a detailed report warning of unstable weather conditions affecting large parts of the country. These conditions include varying intensities of fog and moderate to heavy rainfall, necessitating caution from citizens and residents, particularly in the Riyadh and Eastern Province regions.
Climate context and weather changes in the Kingdom
These weather changes come at a time when the Arabian Peninsula is experiencing significant climate shifts. Historically, the transitional periods between seasons in the Kingdom are known for their rapid fluctuations, as warm and cold air masses collide to form thunderstorms and rain. In recent years, an increase in the frequency and intensity of these rain events has been observed, which meteorologists attribute to global climate change affecting regional weather patterns, as well as ongoing national efforts in cloud seeding programs aimed at enhancing the Kingdom's water resources.
Weather details for the Riyadh region: locations and times
The report issued by the National Center for Meteorology indicated that the Riyadh region will experience varying intensities of fog and moderate rain during the early morning hours of Monday. Fog formation is expected to begin at 3:00 AM and continue until 8:00 AM, reducing horizontal visibility to between 3 and 5 kilometers, and potentially to near zero (1 to 3 kilometers) in some areas.
Fog alerts are in effect for Diriyah, Riyadh, Dawadmi, Ar-Rin, Al-Quway'iyah, and Afif. Meanwhile, moderate rain is expected until 5:00 AM in Al-Hariq, Al-Kharj, Ad-Dilam, Al-Muzahmiyah, and Hawtat Bani Tamim. Rain will continue until 9:00 AM in Al-Aflaj, As-Sulayyil, and Wadi Ad-Dawasir. This weather system is accompanied by strong winds, hail, flash floods, and severe thunderstorms.
Rain and dense fog cover the eastern region
The warnings were not limited to the capital but extended to the Eastern Province, which is experiencing similar weather conditions. The National Center for Meteorology warned of dense fog expected to persist until 8:00 AM on Monday, affecting major cities including Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, Dhahran, Qatif, Ras Tanura, and Hafr al-Batin. This fog is accompanied by near-zero horizontal visibility (1 to 3 kilometers), requiring extreme caution while driving on highways.
In addition, the governorates of Al-Ahsa, Al-Udayd, and Buqayq are experiencing moderate rainfall that will continue until 9:00 AM. This rain is accompanied by strong winds, reduced visibility, hail, flash floods, and thunderstorms, further exacerbating the weather conditions.
Expected impact and the importance of following guidelines
Locally, these rains play a vital role in replenishing groundwater and supporting the agricultural sector, which has a positive impact on the desert environment. However, immediate effects such as flash floods and reduced visibility pose a challenge to traffic and public safety. Therefore, relevant authorities, including the General Directorate of Civil Defense, emphasize the need to stay away from valleys and flood channels and to avoid driving at high speeds during fog formation.
Regionally, this weather pattern reflects the activity of low-pressure systems crossing the Arabian Gulf region, sometimes affecting air and sea traffic. Adherence to meteorological instructions remains the best way to navigate these fluctuations safely, while also making the most of the benefits of these rains that nourish the land and refresh the atmosphere.
