Saudi Arabia weather: Winds and dust in 9 regions, and warnings issued by the Meteorology Department
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued its daily weather report, forecasting continued surface wind activity that will stir up dust and sand across large parts of the Kingdom, leading to reduced horizontal visibility. The forecast covered nine major regions, with a chance of light rain and fog in the southwestern highlands.
Weather details and affected areas
According to the weather report, active winds stirring up dust and sand are expected to continue today, Thursday, in parts of Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders, Hail, Madinah, Makkah, Riyadh, and Najran regions. The effects will also extend to the eastern parts of the Asir and Al-Baha regions. The center warned that these winds could lead to near-zero horizontal visibility on highways and in open areas.
In a related context, the report indicated that light rain and fog formation are possible during the night and early morning hours in parts of the southwestern highlands of the Kingdom, which may affect traffic on mountain roads.
The climatic context of dust phenomena in Saudi Arabia
Dust storms and dust-laden winds are a common weather phenomenon in Saudi Arabia, due to its geography, which consists mostly of vast deserts such as the Rub' al Khali and the Nafud al-Kabir. These phenomena are particularly frequent during seasonal transitions, such as spring and autumn, when low-pressure systems develop, generating strong winds capable of carrying enormous quantities of sand and dust over long distances, affecting cities and regions hundreds of kilometers from their source.
Expected effects and safety guidelines
These weather phenomena have direct impacts on various aspects of daily life. On the health front, health authorities consistently warn asthma and respiratory patients against direct exposure to dust, advising them to stay indoors and keep windows tightly closed. As for transportation, reduced visibility poses a significant challenge, often leading to flight delays or cancellations. Traffic departments and civil defense authorities also increase their preparedness levels and warn drivers on the roads to exercise caution and drive at reduced speeds.
Sea conditions and navigation
Red Sea: The report forecasts northwesterly to northerly surface winds at speeds of 25-50 km/h in the northern and central parts, and northwesterly winds shifting to southeasterly in the evening at speeds of 12-38 km/h in the southern part. Wave heights are expected to range from 1.5 to 2.5 meters in the northern and central parts, and from 0.5 to 1.5 meters in the southern part.
Arabian Gulf: Surface winds will be northwesterly at 12-32 km/h in the northern part, and northwesterly to southwesterly at 20-40 km/h in the central and southern parts. Wave height will range from half a meter to two meters.
