Saudi Arabia weather: Dense fog in 7 regions and weather warnings issued

The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued weather conditions for Tuesday, warning of varying intensities of fog that will directly affect horizontal visibility in large parts of seven administrative regions of the Kingdom. These warnings are part of the Center's ongoing monitoring of weather fluctuations to ensure the safety of citizens and residents.

Weather details and its effects

The weather report indicated that the weather conditions would begin in the early morning hours and continue until 8:00 AM in some areas, extending to 9:00 AM in others. The effects of this weather phenomenon will vary, ranging from a significant decrease in horizontal visibility to 3-5 kilometers in some locations, to near-zero visibility of 1-3 kilometers in others. The center warned of a complete lack of horizontal visibility (less than 1 kilometer) in the most affected areas, necessitating extreme caution while driving on highways and open roads.

Areas and cities affected by fog

The alerts included the following regions, with their cities and governorates:

• The Eastern Province: It is one of the most affected areas due to its coastal nature and high humidity levels. The alert included: Jubail, Khobar, Khafji, Dammam, Dhahran, Qatif, Ras Tanura, Al-Ahsa, Al-Udayd, Abqaiq, Al-Nairiyah, Qaryat Al-Ulya, and Hafr Al-Batin.
• Makkah Region: Al Qunfudhah, Al Lith, Taif, and Maysan.
• Asir region: Al-Barak, Al-Qahmah, Abha, Ahad Rafidah, Al-Namas, Balqarn, Tanomah, and Khamis Mushait.
• Jazan region: Al-Harth, Al-Dayer, Al-Raith, Al-Ardah, Al-Aydabi, Al-Fatihah, Fifa, and Haroub.
• Al-Jawf region: Al-Qurayyat, Sakaka, and Tabarjal.
• Northern border: Tarif.
• Al-Baha region: Al-Qura, Al-Mandaq, Al-Baha, Baljurashi, and Bani Hassan.

The importance of early warnings and the climatic context

These warnings are of utmost importance given the direct impact of fog on traffic, especially during the early morning hours when commuters and students are at their peak. Fog is a recurring weather phenomenon at this time of year in the Kingdom, where temperature differences between day and night, coupled with high relative humidity levels in coastal areas like the Eastern Province and Jazan, and in mountainous regions like Asir and Al-Baha, contribute to the formation of dense fog clouds.

The National Center of Meteorology, established to monitor weather phenomena and issue forecasts, utilizes the latest technologies and numerical simulation models to provide accurate information that helps relevant authorities and drivers take necessary precautions. In such conditions, security and traffic authorities typically urge the use of fog lights, maintaining a safe following distance, and avoiding speeding to ensure the safety of lives and property.