Weather alert: Dust and wind in Mecca and Al-Jumum, reduced visibility
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an important weather alert on Friday for the Makkah region, indicating that the holy city and Al-Jumum governorate would be affected by a dust storm and strong winds. The center explained in its report that this weather condition would significantly reduce horizontal visibility, with visibility expected to range between 1 and 3 kilometers, urging residents and highway users to exercise caution.
According to the center's data, this weather condition and its associated environmental effects will continue – God willing – until 7:00 PM today. These warnings are part of the National Center of Meteorology's ongoing monitoring of weather fluctuations using satellites and advanced radar systems, ensuring that accurate information reaches citizens and residents in a timely manner.
Geographical and climatic context of the region
The Makkah region and Al-Jumum Governorate have a geographical nature that makes them susceptible to such weather phenomena, especially during the transitional periods between seasons. Surface winds that stir up dust and sand are common in open areas and on the highways connecting the cities of the Hejaz, where the surrounding terrain contributes to increased wind speed, leading to the stirring up of suspended dust and reduced visibility.
Public health and safety recommendations
In these conditions, relevant authorities, such as the General Directorate of Civil Defense and the Ministry of Health, typically advise following public safety guidelines. Drivers are advised to exercise extreme caution while driving on highways and city streets affected by dust, maintain a safe distance between vehicles, and use hazard lights when necessary to avoid traffic accidents caused by poor visibility.
On the health front, respiratory patients, those suffering from asthma and allergies, the elderly, and children are advised to avoid direct exposure to dust and dirt, to stay indoors as much as possible during the alert period, and to wear medical masks when they need to go out, in order to prevent health complications that may be caused by fine particles suspended in the air.
The importance of an early warning system
The early warning system operated by the National Center of Meteorology is a cornerstone of the national safety system, aiming to protect lives and property by providing proactive information about weather conditions. These reports contribute to enhancing the preparedness of service and security agencies to respond to any emergency, and to raising public awareness about how to deal with different weather conditions to ensure everyone's safety.
