Saudi Arabia weather: High maximum temperatures and active winds
The National Center for Meteorology, in its daily weather report, announced details of the weather conditions, predicting that maximum temperatures their significant rise across large parts of western and eastern Saudi Arabia. This heat wave coincides with the continued influence of active winds that stir up dust and sand, directly impacting air quality and horizontal visibility in several cities and provinces.
Climatic background on the rise in maximum temperatures in the Kingdom
The Arabian Peninsula is historically known for its arid and extremely hot desert climate, especially during the summer months when maximum temperatures record highs. Dust storms and strong winds, such as the summer Shamal winds, are an integral part of the region's climatic nature. Historically, the inhabitants of the Kingdom adapted to these harsh conditions by designing traditional buildings that insulated against the heat and protected from the wind. However, global climate change in recent decades has contributed to an increase in the frequency and intensity of these heat waves and dust storms, making monitoring weather forecasts crucial for organizing daily life and the economy.
Current weather effects on horizontal visibility and affected areas
The weather report indicated that dust-laden winds could lead to near-zero or zero horizontal visibility. This impact will affect parts of the Eastern Province, the Northern Borders region, Al-Jawf, Tabuk, Hail, Al-Qassim, Madinah, and Makkah, extending to parts of the Riyadh region. This reduced visibility necessitates caution from drivers on highways to avoid traffic accidents. It also directly affects those with respiratory conditions and allergies, requiring adherence to health guidelines and staying indoors as much as possible during the peak of the dust storms.
Maritime navigation conditions in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
Regarding maritime navigation, the center reported that surface winds in the Red Sea are northerly to northwesterly at speeds of 15 to 30 km/h in the northern and central parts, while in the southern part they are southwesterly to northwesterly at speeds of 10 to 25 km/h. Wave heights range from half a meter to one and a half meters, resulting in a slight to moderate sea state.
In the Arabian Gulf, surface winds blow from the southeast to the southwest over the northern and central parts at a speed of 10-25 km/h, and from the west to the northwest in the south at a speed of 15-35 km/h, with wave heights ranging between half a meter and one and a half meters, and a light to moderate sea state.
Important alerts regarding dust particles in the Eastern Province
The National Center for Meteorology issued special alerts for the Eastern Province, warning of dust storms and blowing sand during the early morning hours. These storms are expected to persist until 9:00 AM in the cities of Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, Qatif, Ras Tanura, Al-Ahsa, Al-Udayd, and Abqaiq, accompanied by a reduction in horizontal visibility ranging from 3 to 5 kilometers. Meanwhile, blowing sand is expected to continue until 8:00 AM in Hafr Al-Batin, Khafji, and Qaryat Al-Ulya. The center emphasizes the importance of staying updated to ensure everyone's safety and avoid any damage caused by these weather fluctuations.
