The Meteorology Department warns of winds and dust in Hail and Tabuk today
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an advanced weather alert on Thursday for the Hail and Tabuk regions, warning of strong surface winds that could reach speeds of up to 49 kilometers per hour. These winds are expected to stir up dust and sand, causing a significant decrease in horizontal visibility, especially on highways and in open areas.
Details of the warning and its impact on the regions
According to the center's statement, the warning in the Hail region covers most of the governorates, open areas, and highways. The weather system began this morning and is expected to continue until 7:00 PM. In the Tabuk region, the impact is concentrated on the governorates of Al Wajh and Umluj and their surrounding areas, with the weather conditions expected to persist during the same period. The center explained that the effects of this weather system include strong winds and reduced horizontal visibility, necessitating caution.
The climatic context of the phenomenon in the north of the Kingdom
These weather phenomena are common in the northern regions of Saudi Arabia, which are characterized by their desert landscape. During certain times of the year, particularly during transitional seasons like spring, surface winds become active due to differences in atmospheric pressure. These winds, sometimes known locally as "North Winds," carry large quantities of sand and dust from the vast desert areas, leading to the formation of dust storms that directly affect air quality and visibility.
Importance and expected impacts on safety and daily life
This warning is of utmost importance to residents and drivers. Locally, reduced visibility poses a significant risk to traffic safety, particularly on international and highways connecting Hail and Tabuk to the rest of the Kingdom. Authorities, such as the General Directorate of Traffic and the General Directorate of Civil Defense, typically issue directives urging caution, reduced speed, and avoidance of unnecessary travel until weather conditions improve. Individuals with respiratory conditions, such as asthma and allergies, as well as the elderly and children, are advised to remain indoors and avoid direct exposure to dust and sand.
Regional and economic impacts
Although the immediate impact is local, large dust storms can have regional dimensions, as dust clouds may travel across borders and affect neighboring countries. Economically, these weather conditions can disrupt activities such as air traffic at local airports (like Hail Regional Airport and Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk), as well as construction work and projects that require work in open areas. Therefore, the early warning system provided by the National Center of Meteorology is a vital tool for mitigating potential risks and ensuring the safety of lives and property.
