Weather warnings: Dense fog in Saudi Arabia covers 6 regions

The National Center for Meteorology issued an important report warning of dense fog in Saudi Arabia, expected to cover large parts of six administrative regions during the early morning hours of Monday. These warnings are issued as part of the authorities' commitment to the safety of citizens and residents, as these conditions require the utmost caution while traveling on the roads.

Weather details and the impact of dense fog in Saudi Arabia

The meteorological report explained that the effects of this weather system include near-zero horizontal visibility, ranging from one to three kilometers in some areas. In areas with higher humidity, visibility drops to one kilometer or less, creating significant challenges for drivers and highway users.

The climatic context of the fog phenomenon in the Kingdom

Fog formation is a common weather phenomenon in Saudi Arabia during the transitional periods between autumn and winter. Historically, this phenomenon is associated with a drop in surface temperatures coinciding with a rise in relative humidity, particularly in coastal areas influenced by bodies of water such as the Arabian Gulf, or in the southwestern mountainous regions where clouds often envelop the landscape. This occurs annually, prompting relevant authorities, such as the National Center for Meteorology and the General Directorate of Traffic, to maintain a constant state of readiness to provide proactive guidance to the public and update weather data around the clock.

Importance and expected impacts at the local and regional levels

This weather event is of paramount importance due to its direct impact on multiple vital sectors. Locally, the fog significantly affects daily traffic, necessitating the activation of traffic emergency plans to minimize accidents. The impact also extends to air and sea traffic, as some airports and ports, particularly in the Eastern Province, may be forced to temporarily postpone scheduled flights to ensure the highest safety standards. Regionally, these climatic changes reflect the prevailing winter pattern in the Arabian Peninsula, requiring ongoing coordination and the exchange of climate data among the region's countries to guarantee the safety of air and land navigation.

Map of areas covered by weather warnings

The National Center for Meteorology has identified a detailed list of the regions and governorates that will be affected by this weather condition, as follows:

• The Eastern Province: includes the cities and governorates of Jubail, Khobar, Khafji, Dammam, Dhahran, Qatif, Ras Tanura, Al-Ahsa, Al-Udayd, and Abqaiq.
• Makkah Region: The impact is mainly concentrated in Maysan Governorate.
• Al-Baha region: includes villages, Al-Mandaq, Al-Baha, Baljurashi, and Bani Hassan.
• Asir region: Al Namas, Balqarn, Tanomah, Abha, Ahad Rafidah, Khamis Mushait, Al Harjah, Al Rabua, Al Farsha, Sarat Abidah, and Dhahran Al Janoub are affected.
• Jazan region: includes Al-Harth, Al-Dayer, Al-Raith, Al-Ardah, Al-Aydabi, Fifa, Haroub, Abu Arish, Ahad Al-Masarihah, Al-Tawal, Al-Fatihah, Samtah, Sabya, and Damad.
• Najran region: includes Badr Al Janoub, Thar, Habuna, Khubash, Najran, and Yadma.

In conclusion, the official authorities urge all citizens and residents to follow the continuous updates issued by the National Center of Meteorology, and to adhere to traffic instructions, which include driving calmly, leaving a safe distance between vehicles, and using fog lights to ensure everyone’s safety.