The National Center for Meteorology issued its daily report on weather conditions on Tuesday in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, indicating the continuation of weather fluctuations characterized by active surface winds and a decrease in horizontal visibility in several regions, which calls for caution and vigilance by citizens and residents, especially those using highways.
Weather conditions and active winds details
The report explained that the weather conditions are characterized by active winds stirring up dust and sand, thus reducing horizontal visibility. These conditions affect large parts of the Northern Borders, Al-Jawf, Tabuk, Hail, Al-Qassim, Madinah, and Riyadh . The effects also extend to the eastern parts of the western and southwestern highlands of the Kingdom. This situation is consistent with the Kingdom's geographical and climatic characteristics, where open desert areas contribute to the rapid influence of surface winds that stir up suspended dust, particularly during seasonal transitions.
Fog formation and its effect on visibility
In a related context, the center warned of continued fog formation during the night and early morning hours, leading to a sharp decrease in visibility that may reach zero or near zero. This condition is concentrated in parts of the Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir, and Jazan , in addition to the coastal areas of the Eastern Province . Fog is a recurring phenomenon in these areas, particularly in the highlands and coastal cities, due to high relative humidity and the cooling of the ground surface, posing a challenge to traffic.
The importance of warnings and safety measures
These reports are of paramount importance at both the local and regional levels, as relevant authorities such as civil defense and traffic police rely on them to issue necessary warnings to ensure the safety of lives and property. Experts advise that in such conditions, drivers should reduce their speed, use low-beam headlights in foggy conditions, and avoid open areas during periods of high winds and dust, especially those with respiratory conditions and asthma, to prevent health complications resulting from inhaling dust.
State of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
Regarding the maritime conditions, the report indicated that surface winds over the Red Sea would be southeasterly to southwesterly at speeds ranging from 10 to 25 km/h, with wave heights ranging from half a meter to one meter, and a slight sea state. In the Arabian Gulf , winds would be southeasterly to southerly in the northern and central parts at speeds of 15-30 km/h, and northwesterly to westerly in the southern part at speeds of 10-25 km/h, with wave heights reaching up to one and a half meters in some areas, and a slight to moderate sea state.
