Saudi Meteorology: Dense fog reduces visibility in 7 regions today

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The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an important weather alert this morning, Thursday, regarding expected conditions in several regions of the Kingdom, indicating the formation of fog of varying intensity, reaching the level of dense fog. The center explained in its report that this weather condition will persist until 8:00 AM, urging citizens, residents, and those traveling on highways to exercise caution.

The effects of this weather phenomenon include a significant decrease in horizontal visibility, ranging from 3 to 5 kilometers in some areas, while in others it reaches near-zero visibility (1 to 3 kilometers). In areas experiencing dense fog, the center warned of a complete loss of horizontal visibility, dropping to one kilometer or less, posing a danger to traffic.

Areas and cities affected by the weather conditions

The weather report accurately identified the affected areas, which included large parts of the Kingdom, as follows:

Eastern region: includes many.
Makkah Region: Al Qunfudhah, Adham, Maysan, Al Khurmah, Al Muwayh, Turbah, Ranyah, and Taif.
Al-Baha region: Al-Qura, Al-Mandaq, Al-Baha, Baljurashi, and Bani Hassan.
Asir region: Al-Barak, Al-Qahmah, Al-Namas, Balqarn, Tanomah, Abha, Ahad Rafidah, and Khamis Mushait.
Jazan region: Al Darb, Bish, Jazan, Farasan, Al Harth, Al Dayer, Al Reeth, Al Ardah, Al Eidabi, Fifa, and Haroub.
Northern border: Tarif.
Al-Jawf region: Al-Qurayyat.

The geographical and climatic context of the phenomenon

These warnings come amidst the usual weather fluctuations during seasonal transitions and winter in Saudi Arabia. The geographical nature of the affected areas plays a significant role in fog formation; the mountainous regions such as Asir, Al-Baha, and Taif (Sarawat Mountains) contribute to the condensation of low clouds and fog due to lower temperatures and high humidity. Conversely, coastal areas such as Jazan and the Eastern Province experience fog formation due to high relative humidity levels from the sea and the cooling of the land surface during the night and early morning hours.

The importance of warnings and safety measures

This warning is of paramount importance due to its direct impact on daily life, particularly morning traffic as employees and students commute to work and school. Relevant authorities, including Civil Defense and Traffic Police, urge drivers to adhere to traffic safety rules in such conditions. Experts consistently advise reducing speed, using fog lights (not high beams which impair visibility), and maintaining a safe following distance to avoid collisions that may result from sudden stops or reduced visibility.

The National Center for Meteorology is the official body authorized to issue weather forecasts and warnings in the Kingdom. It relies on a sophisticated network of radars and monitoring stations to provide accurate information that contributes to protecting lives and property, and supports various vital sectors in making appropriate decisions based on the weather conditions.