Active winds in the Eastern Province: Weather alert issued for Dammam, Khobar, and Al-Ahsa

The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an important alert today for residents of the Eastern Province, warning of a weather condition characterized by significantly increased surface wind activity. The alert included the cities of Dammam and Dhahran, as well as a number of key governorates: Khobar, Jubail, Ras Tanura, Qatif, Abqaiq, Al-Ahsa, and Al-Udayd.

The center explained in its report that the expected wind speed ranges between 40 and 49 kilometers per hour, a rate sufficient to stir up dust and sand, especially in open areas and on highways connecting the region's cities. This weather condition has reduced horizontal visibility to between 3 and 5 kilometers, necessitating caution from drivers and those using highways. The center indicated that this weather condition will continue, God willing, until 6:00 PM today.

Geographical importance and the impact of weather on the Eastern region

These warnings are particularly important given the geographical and economic nature of the Eastern Province. As a coastal region open to the Arabian Gulf and encompassing vast desert areas, it is susceptible to the effects of strong winds that rapidly transport dust and reduce visibility. The region is a major economic artery for the Kingdom, home to huge ports, oil facilities, and industrial cities like Jubail, making stable weather conditions crucial for ensuring the smooth flow of logistics and the safety of workers and residents.

Safety guidelines during wind and dust storms

In such conditions, experts always advise following public safety guidelines, which include avoiding high speeds on highways due to the possibility of sudden loss of visibility, and ensuring that windows of homes and cars are tightly closed to prevent dust from entering, especially for respiratory and asthma patients who may be negatively affected by these dusty conditions.

Weather conditions in the rest of the Kingdom

In connection with the general weather conditions in the Kingdom, the National Meteorological Center’s report for Monday indicated that there is still a chance of thunderstorms accompanied by active winds in parts of the Al-Baha and Makkah regions, and this condition extends to include the southern parts of the highlands of the Madinah region.

In contrast, the northern regions of the Kingdom are experiencing a different climate, with cold to very cold weather persisting in parts of Hail, Al-Jawf, and the Northern Borders regions. This drop in temperatures extends to the northern parts of the Eastern Province. Active winds, stirring up dust and sand, continue to affect parts of these regions, as well as parts of Tabuk, Madinah, and Makkah, reaching as far as the eastern parts of the southwestern highlands of the Kingdom.