The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued weather conditions , warning of varying intensity fog affecting large parts of the Kingdom. The center explained that this weather pattern will impact eight major regions during the early morning hours of Monday, urging drivers and highway users to exercise caution.
The forecasts in the report indicate that the effects associated with this situation are a decrease in horizontal visibility to between (3-5) kilometers in some locations, while it may reach a near-zero visibility of (1-3) kilometers in other locations, which poses a real challenge to traffic and transportation.
Areas and cities affected by the weather conditions
The National Center for Meteorology has identified the regions and cities that will experience these weather fluctuations, as follows:
- Makkah Region: Includes the Holy City, Adham, Maysan, Al-Khurmah, Al-Muwayh, Turbah, Ranyah, in addition to the high and tourist areas such as Al-Shafa, Taif, and Al-Hada.
- Medina: The situation is concentrated in Al-Rais, Yanbu, and Al-Mahd Governorate.
- Tabuk region: includes the highlands of Jabal Al-Lawz, in addition to Halat Ammar and Al-Aqan.
- Northern borders: The situation affects the cities of Arar and Tarif.
- Al-Jawf region: includes Dumat Al-Jandal, Sakaka, Al-Qurayyat, and Tabarjal.
- Al-Baha region: Al-Qura, Al-Mandaq, Al-Baha city, Baljurashi, and Bani Hassan.
- Jazan region: includes Darb, Bish, Abu Arish, Ahad Al Masarihah, Al Tuwal, Al Fatihah, Samtah, Sabya, Damad, Al Harth, Al Dayer, Al Reeth, Al Aridhah, Al Eidabi, Fifa, and Haroub.
- Asir region: Al Majardah, Bariq, Rijal Alma, Mahayil, Abha, Ahad Rafidah, Khamis Mushait, Al Namas, Balqarn, and Tanomah.
Climatic context and topography
This weather phenomenon is part of the seasonal changes occurring in Saudi Arabia, where the Kingdom's diverse geography contributes to varying weather patterns. In mountainous and highland regions such as Asir, Al-Baha, and Taif, fog forms due to lower temperatures and the condensation of low-lying clouds, while in coastal areas like Yanbu and Jazan, high relative humidity plays a key role in the formation of morning fog.
Fog is a common weather phenomenon at this time of year, but its density and impact on horizontal visibility make it a significant factor in daily life, especially in the transportation sector.
The importance of warnings and safety guidelines
These warnings are of paramount importance for preserving lives and property, as fog is a major cause of traffic accidents if safe driving rules are not followed. The relevant authorities, including traffic and road safety, urge drivers to use fog lights, maintain a safe distance between vehicles, avoid speeding, and refrain from using hazard lights except when completely stopped, to ensure everyone's safety.
