The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued a yellow alert for the Riyadh region on Friday, warning of a dust storm accompanied by strong winds that will significantly reduce horizontal visibility. The center explained that the alert covers the capital, Riyadh, as well as nine other governorates: Diriyah, Thadiq, Huraymila, Rumah, Dhurma, Marat, Al-Aflaj, As-Sulayyil, and Wadi Ad-Dawasir. This weather condition is expected to continue until 9:00 PM.
Background of weather phenomena in the region
Dust and sandstorms are a common weather phenomenon in Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Peninsula in general, due to its vast desert landscape. These storms are typically active during seasonal transitions, particularly in spring and summer, when changes in atmospheric pressure systems cause strong winds that carry enormous quantities of sand and dust from the dry, open land. The National Center of Meteorology uses a color-coded warning system (yellow, orange, red) to classify the severity of these weather phenomena and alert residents and relevant authorities to take necessary precautions.
Expected effects and the importance of warnings
This type of warning is of paramount importance on several levels. Locally, reduced visibility directly impacts traffic safety on highways and local roads, requiring drivers to exercise extreme caution. The dust also poses a health risk, particularly to the elderly, children, and those with respiratory conditions such as asthma and allergies. In such circumstances, health authorities recommend staying indoors as much as possible, keeping windows tightly closed, and wearing protective masks when going out is necessary.
Regionally, the effects of these dust storms may extend beyond local borders, impacting air traffic and potentially causing delays or reschedulings of some flights at major airports, such as King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Relevant authorities, such as the Civil Defense and the Ministry of Health, are raising their level of preparedness to deal with any emergencies that may arise from these weather conditions and are intensifying awareness campaigns for citizens and residents through various media outlets and social media platforms to ensure their safety.
