The National Center for Meteorology in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia issued its daily report on the expected weather conditions for this Sunday, as the Kingdom’s atmosphere is witnessing various weather fluctuations including rainfall, fog formation, and surface wind activity that stirs up dust and sand in several regions, which calls for caution and vigilance by citizens, residents, and highway users.
Weather details and affected areas
The center explained in its official statement that there is still a chance of light rain over scattered parts of the western and southwestern highlands of the Kingdom. This rainy weather coincides with expectations of dense fog during the night and early morning hours, which may reduce horizontal visibility in parts of those highlands, as well as parts of the Al-Jawf and Eastern regions. The meteorological department warned of the need to drive cautiously during these times.
In a related context, the report indicated the continued impact of active winds that stir up dust and sand, reducing visibility in open areas. This weather condition includes parts of the Northern Borders, Hail, and Tabuk regions, and extends to affect the eastern parts of the Madinah and Makkah regions.
The importance of following weather forecasts and warnings
These daily reports are of paramount importance due to the vast geographical diversity of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where weather phenomena vary from region to region simultaneously. The National Center for Meteorology plays a vital role in monitoring these changes using the latest technologies and satellites to ensure the safety of lives and property. These weather fluctuations, particularly dust and fog, directly impact land and air navigation, necessitating continuous monitoring of the color-coded alerts issued by the Center.
State of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
Regarding the maritime situation, the report detailed the movement of waves and winds in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf, which were as follows:
- The Red Sea: Northwesterly to northerly surface winds are present in the northern and central parts, while southeasterly to southwesterly winds prevail in the southern part, with speeds ranging from 21 to 42 km/h. Wave heights range from one to two meters, and sea conditions are slight to moderate.
- Arabian Gulf: Surface winds will be northwesterly to westerly at a speed of 13 to 26 km/h, with wave heights ranging from half a meter to one meter, and the sea state will be slight.
In such weather conditions, experts always advise avoiding high speeds on highways, ensuring that vehicle lights are working properly, and staying away from flood channels and valleys in areas experiencing rainfall, in order to maintain public safety.
