The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an important weather alert, announcing the expected weather conditions for the coming hours. The automated early warning system activated a "yellow alert," warning of light fog affecting horizontal visibility in scattered areas of three main regions: Makkah, Asir, and Jazan. This alert is part of the center's ongoing and meticulous monitoring of weather conditions to ensure the safety of citizens and residents.
Weather details and timing
The center explained in its report that the expected weather condition is the spread of light fog, which will reduce horizontal visibility to between 3 and 5 kilometers. The center specified the timeframe for this condition, stating that the weather phenomenon will begin to form at 2:00 AM on Thursday and continue until 7:00 AM on the same day. The warning includes highways and open areas in the aforementioned regions, urging motorists to exercise caution.
The geographical and climatic context of the affected areas
The areas covered by the warning (Asir, Jazan, and parts of Makkah) have diverse geographical features that contribute to the formation of such weather phenomena, especially in the early morning. The Asir and Jazan regions are characterized by their mountainous terrain and coastlines, which often experience condensation of water vapor, fog formation, and low clouds. This is a common weather phenomenon at this time of year, but it requires special attention due to its direct impact on traffic and daily life.
The importance of early warning and safety standards
The National Center of Meteorology's early warning system is of paramount importance in enhancing public safety. According to the center's guidelines, a "yellow alert" indicates the potential impact of a weather phenomenon on an area, which, while not necessarily severe, could lead to undesirable incidents if ignored. This system aims to provide relevant authorities and the public with proactive information to enable them to take necessary precautions.
Recommendations for dealing with fog and low visibility
In these conditions, traffic safety experts and relevant authorities advise drivers to adhere to safe driving practices during foggy conditions. This includes reducing speed according to road conditions, using fog lights instead of high beams which can impair visibility due to reflections on water droplets, and maintaining a safe distance between vehicles to avoid sudden collisions. These measures are essential to protect lives and property and ensure smooth traffic flow during the warning period.
