Today's weather: Rain and fog in Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and the highlands

The National Center for Meteorology issued its daily weather for Monday, forecasting partly to mostly cloudy skies across most of the Kingdom. The report also indicated a possibility of light rain, particularly in parts of the southwestern highlands, a common occurrence at this time of year due to seasonal climate changes in those mountainous regions.

Warnings of fog and reduced visibility

In a related development, the center warned drivers and highway users of continued dense fog formation, which could reduce horizontal visibility. This warning covers large parts of the Riyadh region, the Eastern Province, and the Northern Borders region . This phenomenon is a result of high relative humidity and low temperatures during the night and early morning hours, necessitating caution while driving.

State of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf

Regarding the marine conditions, the report detailed the movement of winds and waves as follows:

• The Red Sea: Northeasterly to northerly surface winds are expected in the northern and central parts at speeds of 10-28 km/h, while southeasterly to easterly winds are expected in the southern part at speeds reaching 40 km/h, potentially increasing to 50 km/h towards the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Wave heights are expected to range between half a meter and two meters, potentially exceeding two meters in the southern part, resulting in rough sea conditions in that area.
• Arabian Gulf: Surface winds will be northeasterly to northwesterly at a speed of 16-36 km/h, with wave heights ranging from half a meter to one and a half meters, and the sea state will be light to moderate.

The climatic and geographical context of the Kingdom

Saudi Arabia is characterized by significant geographical and climatic diversity, with topography playing a pivotal role in shaping weather patterns. While arid desert conditions prevail in the central and northern regions, the southwestern highlands (such as Asir, Al-Baha, and Jazan) enjoy a unique climate that allows for the formation of cumulonimbus clouds and rainfall, even during periods when the rest of the country is dry. This variation reflects the Kingdom's continental nature and its susceptibility to different air masses originating from the Red Sea or the Arabian Gulf.

The importance of following weather forecasts

These reports are of paramount importance locally, as citizens and residents rely on them to plan their daily commutes, especially in major cities like Riyadh and Dammam, where traffic may be affected by fog. This data is also vital for the maritime sector and fishermen in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf, ensuring their safety and helping them avoid areas with high waves and strong winds.