Weather alerts: Dust and strong winds expected in Riyadh and the Eastern Province today
The National Center for Meteorology issued a recent report containing important weather alerts regarding the expected weather conditions today, Monday, as large parts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are experiencing weather fluctuations characterized by surface wind activity and dust and sandstorms, which calls for caution and vigilance on the part of citizens, residents and highway users.
Weather details for the Riyadh region
The center explained in its report that the Riyadh region will be affected by a dust storm accompanied by strong winds. According to the report, this weather condition will begin at 4:00 AM and continue until 6:00 PM. The areas directly affected include Al-Aflaj, As-Sulayyil, and Wadi Ad-Dawasir . The most significant impact of this weather system will be a reduction in horizontal visibility to between 1 and 3 kilometers, requiring extra caution while driving in these open areas.
Weather conditions in the Eastern Province
In a related development, the National Center for Meteorology issued a warning about a similar weather system affecting the Eastern Province, where several governorates and cities will be impacted by dust storms and strong winds. The warning includes Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, Qatif, Ras Tanura, Al-Ahsa, Al-Udayd, Abqaiq, and Hafr Al-Batin . This weather system is expected to be in effect during the same time period, beginning at 4:00 AM and ending at 6:00 PM, and will be accompanied by near-zero horizontal visibility in some areas and significantly reduced visibility in others.
Climatic context and surface wind effects
Dust storms and strong winds are common weather phenomena at this time of year in the Arabian Peninsula, particularly in desert and open areas such as Wadi Al-Dawasir and parts of the Eastern Province. These phenomena are usually caused by differences in atmospheric pressure, which contribute to the activity of surface winds. These winds, in turn, stir up dust and sand particles suspended in the ground, especially in areas with sparse vegetation.
The importance of warnings and safety measures
These warnings are of paramount importance given the direct impact of these weather conditions on daily life and traffic. From a health perspective, doctors and specialists advise those with respiratory illnesses, asthma, and allergies to avoid direct exposure to dust and remain indoors as much as possible during the warning period. As for traffic safety, the highways connecting Riyadh to the Eastern Province, or those leading to Wadi Al-Dawasir, are vital transportation arteries; therefore, reduced horizontal visibility poses a potential hazard, requiring drivers to reduce their speed and use hazard lights when necessary.
The National Center of Meteorology continues its vital role in monitoring the atmosphere and issuing early warnings according to a precise automated system, with the aim of protecting lives and property, calling on everyone to follow the continuous reports through its official platforms to know the latest developments in the weather situation first hand.
