The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued weather for Wednesday, indicating varying weather conditions affecting large parts of the Kingdom. This report is part of ongoing monitoring of the weather, as the country experiences a period of convergence between humid air masses and active winds, leading to the simultaneous formation of multiple weather phenomena.
Fog spread map and reduced visibility
The center explained that fog of varying intensity forms during the early morning hours, a natural phenomenon common in coastal areas and mountainous regions due to high humidity and condensation of water vapor. This condition persists until 8:00 AM in some areas and extends to 9:00 AM in others, necessitating caution from drivers on highways and open roads.
The effects of fog include a decrease in horizontal visibility ranging between (3-5) kilometers, and may reach almost zero (1-3) kilometers in the following locations:
- The Eastern Province: includes Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, Dhahran, Qatif, Ras Tanura, Nairyah, Al-Ahsa, Abqaiq, and many others.
- Makkah Region: The governorates of Jeddah, Taif, Rabigh, Al Qunfudhah, Al Lith, Al Ardiyat, Adham, Maysan, Al Khurmah, Al Muwayh, Turabah and Ranyah are affected.
- Medina: includes Yanbu, Al Mahd, Wadi Al Fara’ and Al Rais.
- Asir region: It covers Abha, Khamis Mushait, Al Namas, Tanomah, Balqarn, Al Majardah, Mahayil, Rijal Alma, and other governorates of the region.
- Al-Baha region: It includes Al-Baha, Baljurashi, Al-Mandaq, Al-Makhwah, Qalwa, and the rest of the governorates.
- Jazan region: Fifa, Haroub, Al-Ardah, Al-Dayer, and other highlands are affected.
Red alert and dust storms in the north
In a related development, the National Center for Meteorology issued a red alert for the northern regions of the Kingdom, warning of severe dust storms that could lead to near-zero horizontal visibility (less than 1 km). While such storms are part of normal wind activity in open and desert areas, their intensity today warrants extreme caution.
This condition begins at 9 am and continues until 6 pm, directly affecting:
- Northern Border Region: Arar, Tarif, and Al-Uwaiqilah.
- Al-Jawf region: Sakaka, Dumat Al-Jandal, Al-Qurayyat, and Tabarjal.
Safety recommendations and preventive importance
These warnings are of paramount importance for preserving lives and property. Authorities have urged citizens and residents to adhere to traffic safety guidelines, particularly avoiding speeding in foggy conditions and advising those with respiratory illnesses to stay indoors in areas experiencing dust storms. This detailed report underscores the vital role of meteorological monitoring in regulating traffic flow and supporting the daily decision-making of individuals and institutions across the Kingdom.
