Saudi Arabia weather today: Winds in the Eastern Province and Hail, and dust in Najran
The National Center for Meteorology issued today a series of urgent weather alerts concerning several regions in the Kingdom, indicating varying weather fluctuations ranging from active winds stirring up dust to cold frost waves, which calls for caution and vigilance on the part of citizens, residents and highway users.
Weather details for the Eastern Province
In the Eastern Province, the center warned of significant surface wind activity, with speeds reaching 40-49 kilometers per hour. This includes the governorates of Buqayq and Al-Ahsa , where these winds will stir up dust and sand, causing near-zero or reduced horizontal visibility, especially in open areas and on highways connecting the region's cities. The center indicated that this weather condition is expected to continue, God willing, until 5:00 PM.
In a related development, the center warned of cold wave hitting the northern parts of the Eastern Province, specifically the governorates of Hafr Al-Batin and Al-Nairiyah . This wave is expected to cause frost, with temperatures forecast to drop sharply to near zero degrees Celsius, and potentially as low as -3 degrees Celsius in some areas. This necessitates taking necessary heating measures and protecting crops and livestock from the effects of the extreme cold.
Dust storms in Najran and winds in Hail
In the southern regions, the center issued a warning for the Najran regarding the formation of dust particles that are directly affecting air quality and visibility. This includes the city of Najran and the governorates of Badr Al-Janoub, Thar, Yadmah, Khubash, and Habuna. These particles are causing near-zero horizontal visibility, ranging from 1 to 3 kilometers, and the condition is expected to persist until 3:00 PM.
In the Hail , the Meteorology Department warned of strong winds affecting open areas and highways, with speeds reaching (40-49) km/h, leading to a decrease in horizontal visibility, and continuing until 8 pm.
The context of weather fluctuations and the importance of warnings
These weather fluctuations are part of the typical winter weather patterns and seasonal transitions in Saudi Arabia. These warnings are of paramount importance given the Kingdom's geography, characterized by vast open desert areas that are easily affected by wind patterns, leading to sandstorms that can disrupt land transportation and impact public health, particularly for those with respiratory conditions.
The role played by the National Center for Meteorology is pivotal in maintaining public safety, as these early warnings help relevant authorities such as civil defense and road security to take proactive measures, and enable citizens to plan their daily movements and avoid road travel during peak times of these weather phenomena.
In such weather conditions, experts always advise securing objects that could be blown away, reducing speed while driving, using fog or dust lights, and wearing masks in dust-affected areas to protect against potential health problems.
