Saudi Meteorology: Light fog and reduced visibility in 4 regions

The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued weather for Monday, indicating that light fog is expected across large parts of four major regions. This report is part of the ongoing monitoring of weather fluctuations in the Kingdom during this transitional period of the year.

Weather details and affected areas

The center explained in its report that the weather phenomenon will begin at 1:00 AM and continue until 8:00 AM on Monday, which may directly affect traffic during the early morning hours and commutes to work and school. The forecast includes a decrease in horizontal visibility to between 3 and 5 kilometers.

The center has identified the regions and cities covered by the alert as follows:

• The Eastern Province: This includes Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, Dhahran, Qatif, Ras Tanura, Al-Ahsa, Al-Udayd, and Abqaiq. These areas are the most affected due to high humidity levels resulting from their proximity to the Arabian Gulf.
• Al-Jawf region: specifically in Al-Qurayyat and Tabarjal.
• Northern region: represented by the province of Tarif.
• Asir region: The alerts included mountain cities such as Abha and Khamis Mushait.

Atmospheric context and terrain nature

This weather phenomenon is a natural consequence of the varying geographical and climatic factors across the Kingdom. In the Eastern Province , the saturation of the air with water vapor from the Arabian Gulf, combined with lower nighttime temperatures, contributes to the formation of radiation fog. In the Asir region , the mountainous terrain of the Sarawat Mountains plays a crucial role, as low-lying clouds touch the mountain peaks, resulting in fog that lends the area a distinctive wintery character.

In the northern and inland regions, fog formation is usually associated with the passage of cold air masses and a significant drop in surface temperatures during the early morning hours, leading to the condensation of water vapor.

The importance of warnings and safety guidelines

This warning is of utmost importance for drivers on highways and open roads, as light fog makes it difficult to judge distances. Authorities and drivers are generally advised to exercise caution in such conditions, use fog lights, and avoid high beams, which can further reduce visibility due to reflections on water droplets in the air. Maintaining a safe following distance is also crucial to prevent traffic accidents.

The National Center of Meteorology continues its vital role in monitoring weather changes using the latest technologies and satellites to ensure that accurate information is delivered to citizens and residents, which contributes to enhancing public safety and preventing the potential risks of weather phenomena.