Dust storm in Jeddah: Weather warnings and its impact on visibility
Residents of Jeddah, the Bride of the Red Sea, awoke Sunday morning to an extraordinary scene: a dust storm swept across the city , blanketing the sky in thick clouds and turning the horizon orange. This dust storm caused a significant and sharp decrease in visibility on several main and secondary roads, prompting urgent weather warnings issued by the National Center for Meteorology to ensure the safety of citizens and residents.
Details of the orange alert due to a dust storm in Jeddah
In response to the prevailing weather conditions, the National Center for Meteorology issued an advanced warning, classified as an “orange alert.” This warning covers severe weather fluctuations directly affecting large parts of the Makkah region, specifically Jeddah and Al-Shuaiba. These warnings stem from significant surface wind activity, stirring up dust and sand, with speeds reaching approximately 37 kilometers per hour. These southerly winds have reduced horizontal visibility to less than one kilometer in some open areas.
Climatic phenomena in the Kingdom: Geographical nature and a history of fluctuations
Dust storms and sandstorms are common weather phenomena in the Arabian Peninsula in general, and in Saudi Arabia in particular. This is due to the desert geography and arid climate that characterize the region. Historically, these storms are most active during seasonal transitions, such as the end of winter and the beginning of spring, or during the summer with the arrival of the well-known "Bawarih" winds. Changes in atmospheric pressure play a key role in stirring up and transporting dust across vast areas, making coastal cities like Jeddah vulnerable to their direct effects from time to time.
Local and regional repercussions of weather fluctuations
The effects of these storms extend beyond simply reducing visibility; they have significant economic and social repercussions. Locally, these conditions slow down land and sea traffic and disrupt daily business activities. Regionally and internationally, the frequency of these events underscores the critical importance of major environmental initiatives undertaken by the Kingdom, such as the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative. These initiatives aim to plant billions of trees to increase vegetation cover, combat desertification, and reduce the intensity and frequency of dust storms in the future, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to addressing climate change.
High sea waves and warnings for road users
The National Center for Meteorology issued a statement explaining that this weather condition, which began in the early morning hours, is expected to continue until 8:00 PM. The center indicated the possibility of high sea waves along the coast, urging beachgoers and fishermen to exercise extreme caution to avoid any maritime accidents. In a related matter, traffic and security authorities called on drivers to be extremely careful while driving, especially on highways and open roads such as the Haramain Expressway and the road linking Jeddah and Mecca, emphasizing the need to maintain safe distances and adhere to traffic safety regulations.
Health guidelines for preventing the harmful effects of dust
Given the direct health effects of dust, health authorities have issued important advice and guidelines for citizens and residents. Those with respiratory conditions, asthma, and allergies have been strongly advised to avoid direct exposure to dust and sand. Everyone has been advised to stay indoors as much as possible during periods of high winds and to keep windows and doors tightly closed. If going out is unavoidable, wearing a protective face mask is crucial to prevent inhaling fine particles and to safeguard public health and safety.
