The Meteorology Department warns of dense fog in 4 regions of Saudi Arabia
Details of weather warnings about dense fog
The National Center for Meteorology issued a detailed weather report today, warning of dense fog of varying intensity across large parts of four major regions in Saudi Arabia. These warnings come as part of the authorities' commitment to the safety of citizens and residents, especially given the current weather changes affecting the country. The report indicated that this weather condition will persist until 8:00 AM in some areas and extend until 9:00 AM in others, urging caution when traveling during the early morning hours.
Associated effects and reduced vision
The most significant impact of fog is the marked decrease in horizontal visibility, which in some areas ranges from 3 to 5 kilometers. In other areas, visibility becomes almost zero, ranging from 1 to 3 kilometers. The center warned of a complete lack of horizontal visibility of one kilometer or less in areas with high fog density, posing a significant challenge for drivers on highways and rural roads.
The climatic context for fog formation in the Kingdom
Historically, fog formation has been a common weather phenomenon in Saudi Arabia during seasonal transitions and throughout winter. The mountainous regions of southwestern Saudi Arabia, as well as the northern regions, possess ideal climatic conditions for fog formation, such as low surface temperatures and high relative humidity. This climatic pattern reflects the Kingdom's significant geographical and environmental diversity, where weather conditions vary drastically from one region to another, necessitating continuous monitoring of weather forecasts.
Expected repercussions and the importance of responding to warnings
Dense fog formation has direct impacts on daily life, both locally and regionally. Locally, traffic is significantly affected, requiring traffic safety plans to be activated by security authorities to prevent accidents caused by poor visibility. Air traffic at regional airports may also be affected, with some scheduled flights in the early morning hours being delayed to ensure passenger safety. This underscores the importance of drivers adhering to traffic regulations, such as maintaining a safe distance, using fog lights, and avoiding speeding.
Map of affected regions and governorates
The National Center of Meteorology accurately identified the locations that would experience this weather condition, including four main regions:
- Al-Jawf region: It includes the governorates of Dumat Al-Jandal, Sakaka, Tabarjal, and Al-Qurayyat.
- Northern Border Region: Includes Al-Uwaiqilah, Arar, Tarif, and Rafha.
- Jazan region: The governorates of Al-Harth, Al-Dayer, Al-Raith, Al-Ardah, Al-Aydabi, Fifa, Haroub, Jazan, Farasan, Abu Arish, Ahad Al-Masarihah, Al-Tuwal, Al-Fatihah, Samtah, Sabya, and Damad are affected.
- Asir region: includes Al Birk, Al Qahmah, Al Namas, Balqarn, Tanomah, Al Majardah, Bariq, Rijal Alma, Mahayil, Abha, Ahad Rafidah, Al Harjah, Al Rabua, Al Farsha, Khamis Mushait, Sarat Abidah, and Dhahran Al Janoub.
