The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued weather , warning of varying intensity fog affecting large parts of the Kingdom. The report indicated that this weather condition would prevail during the early morning hours of Thursday, urging citizens, residents, and drivers in particular to be vigilant.
The report forecasts that fog will cover parts of 9 administrative regions, with the accompanying effects ranging from near-zero horizontal visibility (1 to 3 kilometers) in some locations, to complete lack of visibility (less than 1 kilometer) in areas experiencing heavy fog, which may negatively affect the smooth flow of traffic on highways and open roads.
Climate context and weather effects
This weather phenomenon is part of the typical climatic patterns for this time of year in the Kingdom. High humidity levels flowing from the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea, combined with lower minimum temperatures during the night and early morning hours, contribute to the condensation of water vapor and the formation of radiation fog. This phenomenon is of great importance to the transportation sector, prompting relevant authorities, such as road security and traffic departments, to issue simultaneous warnings to ensure the safety of road users, especially in areas connecting major cities.
Areas and cities affected by the weather conditions
The National Center for Meteorology identified the regions and cities covered by the alert, which were geographically distributed as follows:
- The Eastern Province includes Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, Qatif, Ras Tanura, Hafr al-Batin, Khafji, Nairyah, Qaryat al-Ulya, Al-Ahsa, Al-Udayd, and Abqaiq. The Eastern Province is considered one of the most affected regions due to its proximity to the Arabian Gulf.
- Riyadh Region: Includes the capital Riyadh, Al-Zulfi, Al-Ghat, Al-Majma’ah, Shaqra, Al-Hariq, Al-Kharj, Al-Dilam, Al-Muzahmiya, Hawtat Bani Tamim, Al-Dawadmi, Afif, Thadiq, Huraymila, Rumah, Dhurma, Marat, and Al-Diriyah.
- Makkah Region: The situation is concentrated in the highlands and governorates such as Maysan, Al-Ardiyat, and Taif.
- Jazan region: includes Al-Harth, Al-Dayer, Al-Raith, Al-Ardah, Al-Aydabi, Fifa, Haroub, Abu Arish, Ahad Al-Masarihah, Al-Tawal, Al-Fatihah, Samtah, Sabya, and Damad.
- Al-Baha region: Al-Hujrah, Al-Makhwah, Far’ah Ghamid Al-Zanad, Qalwah, Al-Baha, Al-Aqiq, Al-Qura, Al-Mandaq, Baljurashi, and Bani Hassan are all affected.
- Al-Jawf region: includes Al-Qurayyat, Tabarjal, Dumat Al-Jandal, and Sakaka.
- Hail region: It includes Al-Hait, Al-Sulaimi, Al-Shamli, Al-Ghazala, Muwaqq, Al-Shanan, Baqaa, Hail, and Samira.
- Al-Qassim region: includes Al-Asyah, Al-Badai’, Al-Bukayriyah, Al-Thamiriya, Al-Shamasiya, Al-Ammar, Al-Mudhnib, Buraydah, Uyun Al-Jawa, Abanat, Al-Khabra, Ar-Rass, Al-Fawarah, An-Nabhaniah, Riyadh Al-Khabra, Dhariyah, and Uqlat As-Suqur.
- Northern borders: include Rafha, Al-Uwaiqilah, Arar, and Tarif.
Experts advise following the latest bulletins issued by the National Center for Meteorology, using vehicle fog lights, and maintaining safe distances while driving to avoid traffic accidents resulting from low visibility.
