The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an important weather alert for the Al-Jawf region on Saturday, warning of weather fluctuations that could affect daily life and traffic in the area. The center explained that the region will experience significant surface wind activity, urging citizens and residents to take precautions.
Weather details in Al-Jawf
According to the center's report, the weather conditions will include strong winds with speeds ranging from 40 to 49 kilometers per hour. These winds will not be mere passing air currents, but will be accompanied by a significant decrease in horizontal visibility due to the stirring up of dust and sand, a phenomenon known locally as dust storms, which are active in open areas.
The areas affected by this alert include the city of Sakaka (the region's administrative capital), as well as three other major governorates: Dumat al-Jandal , Qurayyat , and Tabuk . The National Center for Meteorology has specified the timeframe for this weather event, with effects beginning at 1:00 PM and continuing until 9:00 PM this Saturday.
The geographical and climatic context of the Al-Jawf region
These warnings are particularly important given the geographical nature of the Al-Jawf region, located in northern Saudi Arabia. The region is characterized by its continental desert climate and serves as the Kingdom's northern gateway. Due to its open terrain, the region is often susceptible to surface wind activity, especially during seasonal transitions. These winds play a dual role; while they can sometimes moderate the weather, when their speed increases, they can stir up suspended dust, directly impacting air quality.
Expected effects and safety guidelines
The highways connecting the governorates of Al-Jawf, as well as international roads passing through the region (such as the international highway leading to the Jordanian border), are among the facilities most affected by such weather conditions. Reduced horizontal visibility poses a challenge for drivers, requiring adherence to speed limits and maintaining safe following distances.
In such conditions, experts advise following public safety guidelines, which include:
- Avoid high speeds on highways and open roads.
- Secure objects that could be blown away in homes and farms, especially since Al-Jawf is an agricultural region known for growing olives and palm trees.
- Patients with respiratory conditions and asthma are advised to avoid direct exposure to dust and to use face masks when necessary.
This alert comes as part of the National Center of Meteorology’s ongoing efforts to provide accurate and timely weather information, with the aim of protecting lives and property and enhancing community awareness of various weather phenomena.
