Saudi Arabia weather today: Dust and strong winds in Riyadh and the Eastern Province
The National Center for Meteorology issued urgent warnings regarding weather conditions for today, Tuesday, indicating significant weather fluctuations including surface wind activity and dust storms across large parts of the Kingdom, specifically the Riyadh region and the Eastern Province, which necessitates caution and vigilance from citizens and residents.
Weather details for the Riyadh region
According to the center's report, the Riyadh region is experiencing dust-laden winds, reducing horizontal visibility to between 3 and 5 kilometers. This weather condition began at 9:00 AM and will continue until 5:00 PM. The alert covers the capital city of Riyadh, as well as a number of governorates and centers, including: Dawadmi, Ar-Rin, Al-Quway'iyah, Afif, Ad-Diriyah, Thadiq, Huraymila, Rumah, Dhurma, Marat, Az-Zulfi, Al-Ghat, Al-Majma'ah, and Shaqra.
Weather effects on the Eastern region
In a related development, the meteorological department warned of a similar weather pattern affecting parts of the Eastern Province, where strong winds are stirring up dust and reducing visibility. The phenomenon began early in Hafr al-Batin at 4:00 AM, while it is expected to start in Khafji, Nairyah, and Qaryat al-Ulya at 9:00 AM, with the effects continuing until 5:00 PM.
Climate context and the importance of warnings
These weather fluctuations are part of the typical climate patterns in the Arabian Peninsula, where the desert geography plays a significant role in the rapid influence of surface winds that transport dust over wide distances. These warnings are of paramount importance due to their direct impact on daily life, particularly on the safety of highways connecting the provinces, as reduced visibility increases the risk of traffic accidents.
These dusty conditions also directly affect public health, specifically people with respiratory illnesses, asthma and allergies, which calls for following health guidelines and staying indoors as much as possible during peak hours.
Weather forecast for the rest of the Kingdom
On a broader level, the National Center for Meteorology predicted in its daily report the continuation of high-speed winds that may reach the level of dust storms, leading to an almost complete lack of horizontal visibility in parts of the Tabuk, Al-Jawf and Northern Borders regions, with the possibility of light rain in those areas.
The effects of the active winds will also extend to parts of the Makkah, Madinah, Hail, and Qassim regions. Meanwhile, there is a chance of thunderstorms and rain over the northern parts of the Eastern Province and the western and southwestern highlands, with the possibility of fog during the night and early morning hours, adding further challenges for road users.
