The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued weather , warning of varying intensities of weather conditions affecting large parts of five major regions. These conditions range from dense fog that reduces horizontal visibility to strong surface winds that stir up dust and sand, urging citizens, residents, and highway users to exercise caution.
Details of fog and reduced visibility warnings
The weather report indicated that the fog began in the early morning hours, with varying onset times between 1:00 and 2:00 AM, and its effects are expected to continue until 8:00 AM. This condition is causing horizontal visibility to drop to between 3 and 5 kilometers in some areas, while in others it reaches near-zero visibility (1 to 3 kilometers), posing a hazard to traffic.
Areas affected by fog:
- Eastern Region: Includes Al-Adid Governorate and other parts.
- Makkah Region: The situation is concentrated in Maysan Governorate.
- Al-Baha region: includes villages, Al-Mandaq, Al-Baha city, Baljurashi, and Bani Hassan.
- Northern borders: Affects Tarif and Al Qurayyat.
- Asir region: It covers large areas including Al Namas, Balqarn, Tanomah, Al Harjah, Al Rabwa, Al Farsha, Sarat Abidah, Dhahran Al Janoub, Abha, Ahad Rafidah, and Khamis Mushait.
Active winds and dust in the eastern region
In a related development, the center issued a warning about another weather condition starting at 9:00 AM and continuing until 6:00 PM, characterized by active surface winds and dust storms affecting parts of the Eastern Province . The warning includes the governorates of Al-Ahsa, Al-Udayd, Buqayq, Al-Khafji, Al-Nu'ayriyah, and Qaryat Al-Ulya, where this condition is expected to reduce horizontal visibility.
Coastal cities such as Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, Qatif and Ras Tanura are also experiencing active winds that may reach speeds of (40-49) kilometers per hour, which leads to high waves and sea disturbance, which necessitates warning sea-goers and fishermen.
The importance of warnings and safety procedures
These warnings are of paramount importance given the direct impact of these weather phenomena on daily life and travel safety. High-altitude regions like Asir and Al-Baha typically experience dense fog due to their mountainous terrain, making mountainous roads and slopes hazardous during these times. Furthermore, open areas in the Eastern Province and the Northern Borders region are conducive to dust storms when winds are active, affecting those with respiratory conditions and those traveling on highways.
The relevant authorities, including the Civil Defense and Traffic Department, are calling on drivers to adhere to the specified speed limits, use fog lights when needed, and leave a sufficient safety distance between vehicles to avoid traffic accidents that may result from sudden lack of visibility.
