Saudi Meteorology: Dense fog in 8 regions until 8 AM
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued weather for Tuesday morning, indicating that the Kingdom is experiencing a weather phenomenon that is directly impacting horizontal visibility in a large number of provinces and cities. The center explained in its report that large parts of eight administrative regions will be affected by fog of varying intensity, urging citizens and residents, especially drivers on highways and open roads, to exercise caution.
Weather details and timing
According to the meteorological statement, this weather phenomenon began at 1:00 AM today and its effects are expected to continue until 8:00 AM. The effects of this condition range from a decrease in horizontal visibility to 3-5 kilometers in some areas, while other areas may experience dense fog leading to near-zero visibility of 1-3 kilometers. This poses a significant challenge to traffic during the early morning hours, which coincide with the commute of employees and students.
Areas and cities affected by fog
The report included a detailed breakdown of the cities and governorates covered by the alert, which are as follows:
- Eastern Province: Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, Qatif, Ras Tanura, Al-Ahsa, Al-Udayd, Abqaiq, Khafji, Al-Nairiyah, and Qaryat Al-Ulya.
- Riyadh region: Al-Muzahmiya, Rumah, Al-Hariq, Al-Kharj, Ad-Diriyah, Ad-Dilam, Riyadh (the capital), Hawtat Bani Tamim, and Dhurma.
- Makkah Region: Al Qunfudhah.
- Medina: Al-Ula and Al-Ais.
- Asir region: Abha, Ahad Rafidah, Khamis Mushait, Al Namas, Baqran, Tanomah, Al Birk, and Al Qahmah.
- Al-Jawf region: Al-Qurayyat.
- Northern borders: Tarif, Arar, Al-Uwaiqilah, and Rafha.
- Tabuk region: Tayma.
The importance of early warnings and road safety
These warnings come as part of the vital role played by the National Center for Meteorology in protecting lives and property through early monitoring of weather phenomena. Fog is one of the most impactful weather phenomena on road safety in the Kingdom during seasonal transitions and in winter, when humidity levels rise and minimum temperatures drop, leading to condensation of water vapor and fog formation.
Traffic safety experts and relevant authorities, such as the General Directorate of Traffic, advise following safe driving guidelines in such conditions. This includes using vehicle fog lights, avoiding high beams which can glare and reduce visibility due to reflections on water droplets, maintaining a safe following distance, and reducing speed according to road conditions and visibility. Adhering to these instructions significantly reduces the risk of traffic accidents that can result from sudden loss of visibility.
