Weather forecast: Dense fog covers 9 regions in Saudi Arabia today
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an urgent report, including a "red alert," warning of dense fog of varying intensity across large parts of nine major regions in the Kingdom. These warnings come as part of ongoing weather monitoring, and the fog is expected to persist until 9:00 AM today. Citizens and residents, especially those traveling on highways, are urged to exercise extreme caution.
The report explained that the effects accompanying this weather condition are the near-zero horizontal visibility, where visibility ranges from one to three kilometers in some locations, while it reaches one kilometer or less in areas experiencing heavy fog, which poses a major challenge to traffic and morning commutes.
Areas of spread and impact of the dense fog phenomenon in the Kingdom
The alerts issued cover several regions and governorates geographically distributed as follows:
- Eastern Province: Fog extends to include Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, Qatif, Ras Tanura, Khafji, Nairyah, Qaryat Al-Ulya, Hafr Al-Batin, Al-Ahsa, Al-Udayd, and Abqaiq.
- Riyadh Region: Includes Al-Zulfi, Al-Ghat, Al-Majma’ah, Shaqra, Al-Dawadmi, Al-Rayn, Al-Quway’iyah, Afif, Al-Hariq, Al-Kharj, Al-Dilam, Al-Muzahmiyah, Hawtat Bani Tamim, Thadiq, Huraymila, Rumah, Dhurma, Marat, Al-Diriyah, and the capital, Riyadh.
- Mecca: The influence is concentrated in the Taif Governorate.
- Northern borders: include Rafha Governorate.
- Al-Baha region: The situation extends to include Al-Qura, Al-Mandaq, Al-Baha, Baljurashi, and Bani Hassan.
- Hail region: Affects Al-Shanan, Baqaa, and Samira.
- Al-Qassim region: Fog is occurring in Al-Asyah, Al-Badai’, Al-Bukayriyah, Al-Thamiriya, Al-Shamasiya, Al-Ammar, Al-Mudhnib, Buraydah, Unayzah, Uyun Al-Jawa, Aban, Al-Khabra, Ar-Rass, Al-Fawarah, An-Nabhaniah, Riyadh Al-Khabra, Dhariyah, and Uqlat As-Suqur.
- Asir region: Al Namas, Balqarn, Tanomah, Al Harjah, Al Rabua, Al Farsha, Sarat Abidah, Dhahran Al Janoub, Abha, and Ahad Rafidah are affected.
- Jazan region: The impact includes Al-Harth, Al-Dayer, Al-Raith, Al-Ardah, Al-Aydabi, Fifa, and Haroub.
The climatic context for fog formation in Saudi Arabia
Fog formation is a common weather phenomenon in Saudi Arabia during seasonal transitions, particularly in late autumn and winter. Historically, this phenomenon is linked to low surface temperatures combined with high atmospheric humidity, especially after rainfall. Coastal areas like the Eastern Province and mountainous regions such as Asir, Al-Baha, and Taif are highly susceptible to radiation and drift fog, resulting in these areas experiencing the highest rates of reduced horizontal visibility annually compared to other parts of the Kingdom.
Expected repercussions and the importance of adhering to traffic warnings
This weather event is of great importance and has a direct impact on daily life. Locally, the sharp decrease in horizontal visibility directly affects road safety, increasing the likelihood of traffic accidents if speed limits are not observed and fog lights are not used. The impact also extends to the aviation and navigation sector, where authorities may be forced to postpone or reschedule some flights to ensure passenger safety. Official bodies, including the General Directorate of Traffic and Civil Defense, emphasize the need to follow the continuous updates issued by the National Center of Meteorology and to avoid driving during peak morning hours except in cases of extreme necessity until the fog dissipates and visibility improves completely.
