The National Center for Meteorology issued a detailed report on the expected weather conditions for Wednesday, warning of significant weather fluctuations, including strong surface winds and dust storms across large parts of the Riyadh region. These warnings are part of the ongoing monitoring of weather conditions to ensure the safety of citizens and residents and to advise them to take precautions while traveling.
Weather details for the Riyadh region
The center explained in its report that the weather phenomena, namely active winds and dust storms, will begin affecting the region from 9:00 AM until 6:00 PM. The alerts were divided into specific geographical areas to ensure the accuracy of the information
- Active wind alert: This includes the governorates of Al-Zulfi, Al-Ghat, Al-Majma'ah, Shaqra, Thadiq, Huraymila, Rumah, Dhurma, Marat, and Ad-Diriyah, in addition to the capital, Riyadh. Wind speeds in these areas are expected to reach between 40 and 49 kilometers per hour, leading to reduced horizontal visibility.
- Dust storm alert: Covers the governorates of Al-Aflaj, As-Sulayyil, Wadi Ad-Dawasir, Ad-Dawadimi, Ar-Rayn, Al-Quway'iyah, Afif, Al-Hariq, Al-Kharj, Ad-Dilam, Al-Muzahmiyah, and Hawtat Bani Tamim. Accompanying effects include increased wind activity and a significant decrease in horizontal visibility to (3-5) kilometers.
The importance of warnings and safety measures
These warnings are of paramount importance given the impact of dust and strong winds on daily life, particularly on traffic on highways and open roads connecting Riyadh's provinces. Authorities such as Civil Defense and Highway Patrol typically urge drivers to exercise extreme caution, maintain safe distances, and avoid speeding during dust storms to ensure their safety.
Doctors and specialists also advise respiratory and asthma patients to avoid direct exposure to dust and to stay indoors as much as possible during the warning period, as these conditions are a trigger for allergies and respiratory problems.
Climate context and forecasts for other regions
This weather pattern is part of the usual fluctuations for this time of year, with the Kingdom experiencing surface wind activity due to atmospheric pressure differences. In addition to the Riyadh region, the National Center for Meteorology's report indicated that the chance of thunderstorms accompanied by hail and strong winds remains high in parts of the Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir, and Jazan regions.
In a related context, fog formation is possible during the night and early morning hours in parts of the highlands and surrounding areas, as well as in parts of northern Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, the effects of active, dust-raising winds will extend to parts of the Northern Borders, Al-Jawf, Eastern Province, and Madinah regions, reaching as far south as Tabuk. Therefore, it is essential to continuously monitor official weather forecasts.
