Saudi Arabia weather today: Fog and rain in the Eastern Province, and winds in Tabuk
The National Center for Meteorology issued a series of advanced weather alerts on Friday concerning a number of regions in the Kingdom, indicating a state of atmospheric instability directly affecting the Eastern Province and the Tabuk region, which calls for caution and vigilance on the part of citizens, residents and highway users.
Dense fog obstructs visibility in the Eastern Province
In an urgent statement, the center warned of a dense fog blanketing large parts of the Eastern Province , drastically reducing horizontal visibility, reaching near-zero visibility (less than 1 kilometer) in some areas. The affected cities and governorates include Dammam, Dhahran, Hafr Al-Batin, Khafji, Nairyah, Qaryat Al-Ulya, Jubail, Ras Tanura, Qatif, Khobar, Abqaiq, Al-Udayd, and Dhahbalutan. The center explained that this dense fog, which is particularly impacting open areas and highways connecting the governorates, is expected to continue, God willing, until 9:00 AM today.
Thunderstorms and hail
Concurrently with the fog, the National Center for Meteorology warned of light to moderate rainfall in the Eastern Province, accompanied by active surface winds. This rainfall is concentrated in the governorates of Khafji, Hafr Al-Batin, and Qaryat Al-Ulya. Forecasts indicate that this rain may be accompanied by hail and thunderstorms, with the possibility of flash floods in valleys and ravines, as well as high waves in coastal areas. This weather pattern is expected to continue until 10:00 AM.
Winds stir up dust in Tabuk
On the other side of the Kingdom, specifically in the Tabuk region , the center issued a warning regarding significant surface wind activity affecting Al-Bida, Haql, Duba, and Neom Sharma. These winds, with speeds ranging from 40 to 49 km/h, are stirring up dust and sand, reducing horizontal visibility, and causing high sea waves, which may affect small and medium-sized maritime navigation. This condition is expected to persist until 7:00 PM.
The importance of warnings and safety guidelines
These warnings are of paramount importance given the unstable weather conditions the Kingdom experiences during this transitional period, characterized by frequent combinations of fog, rain, and wind. Authorities, including the Civil Defense, urge drivers to exercise extreme caution while driving in foggy conditions, avoid high speeds, and use hazard lights when necessary. Experts also emphasize the importance of staying away from valleys and floodplains in areas experiencing rainfall to protect lives and property, and of staying informed by regularly checking official weather forecasts.
