Al-Jawf weather: Warning of strong winds and dust until Saturday evening
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an advanced weather alert for the Al-Jawf region in the north of the Kingdom, warning of strong to very strong winds accompanied by dust storms, which will significantly reduce horizontal visibility. According to the alert, this weather condition will persist until 9:00 PM on Saturday.
The areas affected by this warning include the city of Sakaka and the governorates of Dumat al-Jandal, Qurayyat, and Tabuk. The center expects surface wind speeds in these areas to range between 40 and 49 kilometers per hour, a speed sufficient to stir up dust storms and significantly reduce visibility, thus necessitating caution, especially for those using highways.
The climatic context of the Al-Jawf region
The Al-Jawf region, located in the northern part of Saudi Arabia, is known for its continental desert climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and cold winters. Weather fluctuations, such as strong winds, are a common feature of the region's climate, particularly during the transitional periods between seasons. These winds, sometimes called northerly or "Shamal" winds, arise from differences in atmospheric pressure between various areas and often carry large quantities of sand and dust from the nearby Nafud Al-Kabir desert, affecting air quality and visibility.
Expected effects and the importance of warnings
This alert is of paramount importance to the residents and various sectors in the Al-Jawf region. Locally, citizens and residents, especially the elderly, children, and those with respiratory conditions such as asthma and allergies, are advised to stay indoors and avoid going out unless absolutely necessary to prevent inhaling dust that could cause health complications. Relevant authorities, such as Civil Defense and Highway Patrol, also urge drivers to exercise extreme caution and reduce their speed on the roads, given the expected decrease in horizontal visibility, which increases the likelihood of traffic accidents.
Regionally, the effects of these dust storms could extend to neighboring areas, as dust clouds may cross borders and impact air quality in parts of Jordan and Iraq. Such weather warnings underscore the vital role of the National Center of Meteorology in the Kingdom's disaster risk management system, providing accurate and timely information that contributes to protecting lives and property and enhancing public safety.
