Weather in Saudi Arabia: Temperature drop and dust-raising winds
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued its daily weather forecast, indicating a series of weather fluctuations that will affect large areas of the country. The report predicts a significant drop in temperatures, accompanied by strong surface winds that may reach speeds that stir up dust and sand, leading to reduced horizontal visibility.
According to forecasts, the northern regions will be most affected by this weather system, with Tabuk, Al-Jawf, and the Northern Borders expected to experience a drop in temperatures accompanied by strong winds that will significantly reduce visibility. The effects of these dust-laden winds will also extend to parts of Riyadh, Al-Qassim, and the Eastern Province, necessitating caution, especially for those traveling on highways.
The climatic context of weather fluctuations in the Kingdom
These weather fluctuations are part of the natural climate of Saudi Arabia, a country characterized by its vast deserts and diverse terrain. During the transitional periods between seasons, the region is affected by the movement of different air masses, leading to increased surface wind activity, sometimes known locally as "North Winds." These conditions are common and require continuous monitoring of warnings issued by official authorities to ensure public safety.
Expected effects and safety guidelines
These weather conditions have multiple impacts on daily life and public safety. From a health perspective, asthma and respiratory patients are advised to avoid going out unless absolutely necessary and to keep windows tightly closed to prevent dust from entering. On the roads, drivers should exercise extreme caution and reduce speed due to potentially reduced visibility. The forecast also includes a chance of light rain in parts of these regions, as well as the highlands of Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir, and Jazan, with the possibility of fog forming during the night and early morning hours.
State of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
Red Sea: Surface winds are expected to be northwesterly to northerly at speeds of 25-55 km/h in the northern and central parts, resulting in moderate to rough sea conditions with wave heights reaching up to 2.5 meters. Meanwhile, winds will be southeasterly in the southern part at speeds of 12-32 km/h, with wave heights ranging from half a meter to 1.5 meters.
Arabian Gulf: Surface winds will be variable in direction from west to southeast at a speed of 10-32 km/h, and the sea state will be slight to moderate, with wave heights ranging between half a meter and one and a half meters.
