Saudi Arabia weather: Dense fog and a cold wave hit 8 regions

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The National Center for Meteorology issued a detailed report on the expected weather conditions, warning of varying intensities of weather fluctuations affecting large parts of the Kingdom. These conditions include the formation of dense fog leading to reduced or even zero horizontal visibility, as well as a cold wave affecting the northern regions during the early morning hours of Tuesday.

Details of the fog and reduced visibility

The center explained in its report that the fog phenomenon will vary in intensity, reaching high density in parts of eight major regions. This phenomenon is expected to persist until 8:00 AM in some locations and extend to 9:00 AM in others. Accompanying effects include reduced horizontal visibility of 3-5 kilometers, near-zero visibility of 1-3 kilometers, and potentially complete obscurity (less than 1 kilometer) in areas of dense fog.

Areas and cities affected by the fog:

Eastern Province: Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, Dhahran, Qatif, and Ras Tanura.
Makkah Al-Mukarramah: Al-Ardiyat, Al-Khurmah, Al-Muwayh, Turbah, Ranyah, Al-Qunfudhah, Al-Layth, Taif, and Maysan.
Medina: Al-Rais and Yanbu.
Jazan: Al Darb, Bish, Al Harth, Al Dayer, Al Reeth, Al Ardah, Al Eidabi, Fifa, Haroub, Abu Arish, Ahad Al Masarihah, Al Tuwal, Al Fatihah, Samtah, Sabya, Damad, Jazan City, and Farasan Island.
Asir: Al Majardah, Bariq, Rijal Alma, Mahayil, Al Birk, Al Qahmah, Abha, Ahad Rafidah, Khamis Mushait, Al Namas, Balqarn, and Tanomah.
Al-Baha: Al-Qura, Al-Mandaq, Al-Baha City, Baljurashi, and Bani Hassan.
Northern borders: Al-Uwaiqilah, Rafha, Arar, and Tarif.
Al-Jawf: Dumat Al-Jandal, Sakaka, Al-Qurayyat, and Tabarjal.

A cold wave and frost in the north of the Kingdom

Coinciding with the fog, the National Center of Meteorology warned of a cold wave affecting three regions, beginning at 1:00 AM and continuing until 8:00 AM. This wave will cause a significant drop in temperatures, ranging between 0 and 3 degrees Celsius, creating conditions conducive to frost formation.

Locations affected by the cold wave:

Tabuk region: Jabal Al-Lawz and Al-Aqan highlands.
Northern borders: Hazm al-Jalamid and Tarif.
Al-Jawf region: Al-Qurayyat and Tabarjal.

Climate context and the importance of warnings

These warnings come within the context of typical winter weather patterns in Saudi Arabia, characterized by low temperatures and the formation of humid air masses that contribute to fog formation, particularly in coastal areas and mountainous regions. The Kingdom's diverse topography plays a significant role in weather variations, with the southwestern highlands (Asir and Al-Baha) experiencing dense fog due to their mountainous terrain, while the northern regions (Tabuk and Al-Jawf) are affected by cold air masses originating from the north.

These warnings are of paramount importance for the safety of citizens and residents, as dense fog directly impacts traffic flow and the safety of highways connecting the governorates. Relevant authorities, including traffic and road security, urge drivers to exercise caution, use fog lights, and maintain a safe following distance to avoid traffic accidents caused by poor visibility.