Friday's weather: Winds, dust, and fog in 8 regions of Saudi Arabia

The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued its daily weather forecast for Friday, indicating continued weather fluctuations across several regions of the Kingdom. This report is part of the ongoing monitoring of weather conditions to ensure the safety of citizens and residents, and to issue necessary warnings to highway users and those frequenting open areas.

Weather details and affected areas

According to the official statement issued by the Meteorology Department, surface winds are expected to stir up dust and sand, potentially reducing horizontal visibility. This weather pattern will be particularly concentrated in parts of the Tabuk, Al-Jawf, and Northern Borders . These northern areas are the most susceptible to such dust storms due to their open geography and their exposure to air masses originating from the north.

In contrast, other regions are experiencing a different weather phenomenon: dense fog during the night and early morning hours. The center has warned of the possibility of fog forming in parts of Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, and Makkah , with its effects also extending to parts of the Eastern Province . This situation necessitates extreme caution while driving due to the significantly reduced visibility.

State of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf

Regarding the marine conditions, the report detailed the movement of waves and winds in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf:

• The Red Sea: Northwesterly to northerly surface winds are present in the northern and central parts, with speeds ranging from 10 to 25 km/h. In the afternoon, the winds shift to southeasterly and southerly in the southern part, potentially reaching speeds of up to 50 km/h towards the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Wave heights range from half a meter to one and a half meters, and may exceed two meters towards the strait, resulting in rough sea conditions in that area.
• Arabian Gulf: Surface winds will be southeasterly to easterly at a speed of 15-35 km/h, with wave heights ranging from half a meter to one and a half meters, and the sea state will be light to moderate.

The importance of following weather forecasts

These reports are particularly important during seasonal transitions, when rapid weather changes are common in the Kingdom. These conditions directly impact maritime and land traffic, requiring drivers on highways connecting provinces to adhere to speed limits and follow traffic safety guidelines, especially in areas experiencing heavy dust or fog.