The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued weather , warning of a wave of varying intensity of fog that may reach the level of dense fog, leading to a sharp decrease in horizontal visibility over large parts of four main regions, during the early morning hours of Wednesday.
Weather details and affected areas
The report indicated that the expected weather phenomena include near-zero horizontal visibility, ranging between 1 and 3 kilometers, and potentially reaching complete zero visibility (less than 1 kilometer) in areas experiencing dense fog. This weather condition is particularly concentrated in the following areas:
- The Eastern Province: This includes Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, Khafji, Dhahran, Qatif, Abqaiq, Ras Tanura, Al Udeid, Salwa, and Al-Ahsa. These areas are the most affected due to their coastal location and high humidity levels.
- Madinah region: specifically in the governorates of Al-Rais and Yanbu.
- Al-Jawf region: It includes Al-Qurayyat and Tabarjal.
- Jazan region: It covers Darb, Bish, Abu Arish, Ahad Al Masarihah, Al Tuwal, Al Fatihah, Samtah, Sabya, and Damad.
Surface winds and raised dust
In addition to the fog, the National Center for Meteorology indicated that active winds stirring up dust and sand will continue to reduce horizontal visibility in parts of the Northern Borders, Al-Jawf, Tabuk, Hail, and Madinah regions. This condition also extends to the eastern parts of the Makkah region, and its effects will reach parts of the Qassim, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, necessitating caution for those using highways.
The importance of warnings and traffic safety measures
These warnings are of paramount importance given the direct impact of weather conditions on traffic and public safety. Authorities, such as the General Directorate of Traffic and Road Security, typically urge drivers in such conditions to exercise extreme caution, use fog lights, maintain a safe distance between vehicles, and avoid speeding, especially in open areas and on highways connecting affected governorates and cities.
Climatic context and topographical diversity
This report reflects the great climatic diversity of Saudi Arabia. While the northern regions experience light rain and fog, other areas face strong winds and dust storms. This variation is due to the Kingdom's vast geographical area and diverse topography, ranging from humid coastal regions to arid deserts and mountainous highlands, making daily weather forecasts essential for planning daily activities and travel.
