The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued weather warning of varying intensity fog affecting large parts of five major regions in the Kingdom. The center explained in its report that this weather condition will persist from the early morning hours until 8:00 AM, urging drivers and highway users to exercise caution.
Weather details and its effects
The weather report indicated that the phenomenon is characterized by the formation of light to dense fog, leading to a decrease in horizontal visibility to between 3 and 5 kilometers in some locations, while visibility reaches near-zero (1 to 3 kilometers) in others. In the most affected areas, the center warned of complete horizontal visibility (less than one kilometer), which poses a danger to traffic and requires strict adherence to traffic safety instructions.
Areas and cities affected by fog
The alert covered several regions and cities, with the distribution of cases as follows:
- Eastern Region: The situation was concentrated in Al-Udayd Governorate.
- Makkah Region: It included Al Qunfudhah, Al Ardiyat, Taif, Adham, and Maysan.
- Asir region: Fog covered the cities of Abha, Ahad Rafidah, Al-Harjah, Al-Rabou’ah, Al-Farsha, Khamis Mushait, Sarat Abidah, Dhahran Al-Janoub, Al-Barak, Al-Qahmah, Al-Majardah, Bariq, Rijal Alma’, Mahayil, Al-Namas, Balqarn, and Tanomah.
- Al-Baha region: Al-Hujrah, Al-Makhwah, Far’ah Ghamid Al-Zanad, Qalwah, Al-Qura, Al-Mandaq, Al-Baha city, Baljurashi, and Bani Hassan were all affected.
- Jazan region: It included Al-Harth, Al-Dayer, Al-Raith, Al-Ardah, Al-Aydabi, Al-Fatihah, Fifa, and Haroub.
Geographical and climatic context of the situation
These weather fluctuations are part of the Kingdom's typical climatic patterns during transitional periods and winter. The mountainous and highland regions of Asir, Al-Baha, and Taif (the Sarawat Mountains) are characterized by a geography that contributes to the condensation of low clouds and fog formation due to lower temperatures and higher relative humidity. Conversely, coastal areas such as Al-Qunfudhah, Jazan, and parts of the Eastern Province experience what is known as transitional or radiation fog, resulting from the air becoming saturated with moisture from the sea combined with calm winds.
Traffic safety guidelines
Due to reduced visibility, relevant authorities, such as the General Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety, typically emphasize the importance of following safe driving guidelines in such conditions. Experts always advise using vehicle fog lights, avoiding high beams which can reduce visibility due to reflections on water droplets, maintaining a safe following distance, and avoiding sudden braking to prevent skidding and accidents.
