Riyadh weather today: Yellow alert and dust storms affecting several governorates
The National Center for Meteorology issued an important alert about the expected weather conditions, issuing a "yellow warning" indicating weather fluctuations affecting large parts of the Riyadh region and the Eastern Province, in addition to expectations of rainfall on the southern and western highlands.
Details of the yellow alert in the Riyadh region
The center explained in its daily report that the Riyadh region is experiencing active surface winds that are stirring up dust and sand, causing horizontal visibility to drop to between 3 and 5 kilometers. According to the report, this weather condition began at 9:00 AM and will continue until 7:00 PM on Thursday.
The areas affected by this alert include several governorates, such as Al-Aflaj, As-Sulayyil, Wadi Ad-Dawasir, Ad-Dawadmi, Afif, Ar-Rayn, and Al-Quway'iyah . This alert urges citizens and residents in these areas to exercise caution while driving on highways and open roads due to reduced visibility.
Weather conditions in the Eastern Province
In parallel with Riyadh's weather, the Eastern Province also experienced similar warnings regarding strong winds and blowing dust. These warnings covered the cities of Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, Dhahran, Qatif, and Ras Tanura, where wind speeds reached 40-49 km/h. The effects of the blowing dust extended to Al-Ahsa, Al-Udayd, Abqaiq, and Dhahbalutan, with a similar reduction in horizontal visibility.
Context and importance of the early warning system
This report is part of the National Center of Meteorology's efforts through its automated early warning system. A "yellow alert" typically indicates a potential weather phenomenon affecting the region, but not yet reaching the critical level (red alert). These alerts are a key component of the Kingdom's public safety strategy, helping relevant authorities and drivers take necessary precautions to avoid traffic accidents that could result from sudden loss of visibility due to seasonal dust storms.
Rain forecast and general weather for Thursday
Regarding the overall forecast for Thursday, the National Center for Meteorology indicated the continued chances of thunderstorms accompanied by surface wind activity in parts of the Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha and Makkah , extending to include the southern parts of the Madinah region.
The meteorological department also warned that the dust-laden winds would not be limited to Riyadh and the Eastern Province, but could extend their effects to parts of Najran, Qassim, Hail, Al-Jawf, and the western parts of the Northern Borders region. In a notable development, the report did not rule out the possibility of scattered light rain in parts of central Saudi Arabia, necessitating continued monitoring of weather updates.
In such weather conditions, experts advise, especially those with respiratory illnesses and asthma, to avoid direct exposure to dust, keep windows tightly closed, and adhere to the instructions of the Civil Defense and relevant authorities to ensure public safety.
