The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an important warning on Friday evening, cautioning against weather fluctuations expected in the Al-Jawf region, including active winds and dust storms, urging citizens, residents, and highway users to take precautions.
Weather details for Al-Jawf region
The center explained in its official report that the expected weather conditions will begin to have direct effects from 9:00 AM until 6:00 PM on Saturday. These conditions will affect the city of Sakaka , as well as three other major governorates: Dumat al-Jandal, Qurayyat, and Tabuk .
Forecasts from the National Center of Meteorology indicate that these areas will witness significant activity in surface winds, leading to the stirring up of dust and sand, which will cause an almost complete lack of horizontal visibility, as visibility is expected to range between (1) and (3) kilometers only in open areas and on highways.
Geographical and climatic context of the region
These warnings are particularly important given the geographical nature of the Al-Jawf region in northern Saudi Arabia. The region is characterized by its open desert expanses, making it susceptible to strong winds that quickly carry dust and sand, creating dust storms that can disrupt traffic and daily life. These weather phenomena are a common feature of the northern regions' climate, especially during seasonal transitions or when the area is affected by passing high or low pressure systems.
The effects of the situation and the importance of adhering to instructions
The effects of this weather condition are directly reflected in several sectors, most notably transportation. Since the aforementioned governorates (Qurayyat, Tabuk, and Dumat al-Jandal) are connected by a network of highways and main roads, reduced visibility poses a challenge for drivers. Therefore, it is always advisable to follow traffic safety guidelines in such conditions, such as maintaining a safe distance between vehicles, using hazard lights, and avoiding speeding.
From a health perspective, the dust storms typically affect those with respiratory conditions, asthma, and allergies. Health authorities usually recommend staying indoors as much as possible and wearing masks when going out is necessary to minimize dust inhalation and avoid health complications.
The role of the National Center for Meteorology
This alert comes as part of the National Center of Meteorology's ongoing efforts to monitor weather and issue early warnings, with the aim of protecting lives and property. The center urges everyone to follow its updated reports through its official channels and electronic applications to obtain the most accurate information on weather developments.
