The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an important weather alert for Wednesday, indicating significant weather fluctuations affecting several vital regions of the Kingdom. This weather system is spearheaded by a dust storm directly impacting the Riyadh region, urging citizens and residents, especially drivers and those with respiratory conditions, to exercise caution.
Weather details for the Riyadh region
According to the center's report, large parts of the Riyadh region are experiencing surface winds stirring up dust and sand, leading to reduced horizontal visibility and near-zero visibility in some areas, ranging between 1 and 3 kilometers. This weather phenomenon began in the early morning hours (between 3 and 5 a.m.) and its effects are expected to continue until 5 p.m. today.
The areas affected by this alert include: the capital Riyadh, Diriyah, Al-Kharj, Al-Dilam, Al-Muzahmiyah, Hawtat Bani Tamim, Al-Hariq, Al-Aflaj, As-Sulayyil, Wadi Ad-Dawasir, in addition to the western governorates of the region such as Ad-Dawadmi, Ar-Rayn, Al-Quway’iyah, and Afif.
A cold wave and frost in the northern regions
Coinciding with strong winds in the central region, the northern parts of the Kingdom are experiencing a noticeable drop in temperatures. The meteorological department has issued a warning of a cold wave affecting parts of the Hail, Tabuk, Al-Jawf, and Northern Borders regions. This wave is expected to continue through the early morning hours until 8:00 AM, accompanied by frost and minimum temperatures ranging between 0 and -3 degrees Celsius.
The cold is most intense in the following locations:
- Tabuk region: Jabal Al-Lawz and Al-Aqan highlands.
- Al-Jawf region: Sakaka, Dumat Al-Jandal, Al-Qurayyat, and Tabarjal.
- Northern borders: Arar, Tarif, Rafha, and Al-Uwaiqilah.
- Hail region: Hail city, Baqaa, and Muwaqq.
Climate context and safety recommendations
These weather fluctuations are part of the usual climatic features in the Kingdom during the winter season and seasonal transitions, as low-pressure systems become active, causing variations in atmospheric pressure, which generates active winds that stir up dust in open desert areas, and push cold air masses towards the northern regions.
In such conditions, experts advise adhering to traffic safety guidelines and avoiding speeding on highways due to reduced visibility. Those with asthma and respiratory allergies are also advised to avoid direct exposure to dust. In northern regions, it is essential to ensure adequate heating and wear warm winter clothing to protect against colds and the effects of frost.
