Dense fog in Riyadh and the Eastern Province: Weather alerts and conditions
The National Center for Meteorology issued important and urgent warnings regarding weather conditions , as large parts of the Riyadh and Eastern regions are experiencing a wave of fog of varying intensity, reaching the level of dense fog that greatly impedes horizontal visibility, which calls for caution and vigilance on the part of citizens and residents, especially those using highways.
Weather details for the Riyadh region
The weather report indicated that the Riyadh region is experiencing fog starting late last night and continuing until 9:00 AM this morning, Thursday. The fog will vary in intensity, reaching "dense" levels in the governorates of Zulfi, Ghat, Majmaah, and Shaqra. The warning also extends to the capital, Riyadh, as well as Diriyah, Rumah, Huraymila, Thadiq, Afif, Dawadmi, Hawtat Bani Tamim, Muzahmiya, Kharj, Dilam, Hariq, Dhurma, and Marat.
Forecasts indicate that the effects associated with this situation are a decrease in horizontal visibility to between (3-5) kilometers in some locations, while visibility may be completely absent or less than one kilometer in areas of dense fog, which poses a real challenge to traffic.
Red alert in the Eastern region
In a related development, the National Center for Meteorology raised its alert level to "red alert" in the Eastern Province, warning of dense fog that will cause near-zero horizontal visibility. This phenomenon will begin at 11:00 PM on Wednesday and continue until 9:00 AM on Thursday. The alert covers vital cities and governorates including Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, Qatif, Ras Tanura, Hafr Al-Batin, Khafji, Nairyah, Qaryat Al-Ulya, Al-Ahsa, Al-Udayd, and Abqaiq.
Climate context and the importance of warnings
These weather phenomena are part of the typical climatic shifts during this time of year in the Kingdom, with increased surface humidity and lower minimum temperatures, creating conditions conducive to fog formation, especially in the early morning hours. This phenomenon directly impacts daily life, particularly in open areas and on highways connecting the provinces.
These warnings are of paramount importance given the heavy traffic in these areas, particularly in the Eastern Province, a vital industrial and commercial hub, and the Riyadh region, the administrative capital. Relevant authorities, such as traffic police and road safety departments, are working in coordination with the meteorological department to ensure the safety of road users and provide guidance during periods of poor visibility.
Public safety recommendations
In these conditions, traffic safety experts advise reducing speed, using fog lights, maintaining a safe distance between vehicles, and avoiding high beams which can reduce visibility due to their reflection on fog particles. The National Center of Meteorology also emphasizes the importance of following weather reports through official channels for the latest updates.
