The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued a detailed report on the expected weather conditions in the coming days, indicating that most regions of the Kingdom will experience successive and significant weather fluctuations. These fluctuations will be characterized by a noticeable increase in surface winds that will stir up dust and sand, leading to reduced horizontal visibility in some areas, along with a significant rise in wave height along the coasts, necessitating caution.
Weather details and affected areas
The center explained in its statement that this weather system began affecting the region starting Tuesday, and its intensity is expected to continue until the end of the week, specifically next Saturday. The report indicated that the peak wind activity will be during daylight hours, with wind speeds increasing and stirring up dust storms that may significantly reduce visibility.
Regarding the geographical scope, the direct effects began in the Tabuk, Madinah, and Makkah regions, including their coastal areas, in addition to Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders, and Hail regions. The center predicted that this low-pressure system and its effects would gradually extend to include the central, eastern, and southern regions of the Kingdom, where Qassim, Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and as far south as Najran will be affected by active winds and dusty conditions.
Climate context and weather effects in the region
These weather fluctuations are part of the typical climatic shifts that the Arabian Peninsula experiences during the transitional periods between seasons. These periods are usually characterized by fluctuations in atmospheric pressure, which generate active air currents that stir up dust, especially in open and desert areas lacking dense vegetation. These phenomena are part of the Kingdom's geographical nature, where winds play a major role in shaping daily weather patterns.
Expected impacts on navigation and public health
From an environmental and navigational perspective, experts warn that the high waves associated with these winds could pose a danger to seafarers and fishermen, especially along the Red Sea coast, necessitating close monitoring of marine weather forecasts. From a health perspective, dust-laden winds typically exacerbate the suffering of those with respiratory illnesses, asthma, and allergies, requiring adherence to health guidelines and avoidance of direct exposure to dust.
The relevant authorities also called on drivers on highways connecting the affected areas to exercise extreme caution, given the possibility of zero horizontal visibility at certain times, and to adhere to traffic safety instructions issued by the competent authorities to ensure everyone’s safety.
