Al-Jawf weather: Warning of dense fog and reduced visibility on Friday morning
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an advanced weather alert for the Al-Jawf region, warning of light to moderate fog that may become dense in some areas, starting in the early hours of Friday morning and continuing until 8:00 AM. The alert includes the governorates of Qurayyat and Tabuk and their surrounding areas.
Expected effects and reduced visibility
According to the center's report, fog formation is expected to significantly reduce horizontal visibility, potentially dropping to between 3 and 5 kilometers, and possibly even less in open areas and on highways. The weather conditions began at 2:00 AM and will continue until 8:00 AM, coinciding with the commute for employees and students, thus necessitating extreme caution while driving.
The climatic context of the Al-Jawf region
The Al-Jawf region, located in northern Saudi Arabia, is known for its desert landscape and continental climate, characterized by hot summers and cold winters. Fog formation, particularly radiation fog, is common in these areas during clear, calm nights. This type of fog occurs when the ground cools rapidly after sunset, causing the air in contact with it to cool down to its dew point, at which point tiny water droplets condense, forming fog. Even low relative humidity contributes to the formation of this phenomenon, which directly impacts public safety.
The importance of weather warnings for public safety
The National Center for Meteorology plays a vital role in the national safety system, as its daily reports and warnings contribute to protecting lives and property. These warnings are based on advanced numerical models and accurate data from monitoring stations across the Kingdom. This information is essential for vital sectors such as air and land transport, agriculture, and the daily planning of citizens and residents. Relevant authorities, including traffic and civil defense, have urged drivers to reduce their speed, use fog lights, and maintain a safe distance between vehicles to avoid accidents.
An overview of the Kingdom's weather
In addition to the fog in Al-Jawf, the National Center for Meteorology's report indicated continued dust-raising winds in parts of the Northern Borders, Hail, Madinah, Makkah, and Riyadh regions. Light rain and fog are also possible in the southwestern highlands of the Kingdom, reflecting the unstable weather conditions affecting various parts of the country during this period.
