Saudi Arabia weather: Winds and dust in 7 regions, and weather warnings issued
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued its daily weather report, forecasting a continued wave of active winds stirring up dust and sand that will affect seven major regions of the Kingdom. This report comes as the center closely monitors the weather phenomena affecting the region, which may impact daily life and the safety of citizens and residents.
Weather details and affected areas
The report indicated that active surface winds will continue to stir up dust and sand, leading to reduced horizontal visibility across large parts of Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders, Hail, and Al-Qassim regions. The effects of these winds will also extend to parts of Madinah and Tabuk regions, as well as parts of Makkah region. The center also warned that there remains a chance of dense fog forming during the night and early morning hours along the coastal areas of Makkah and the Eastern Province, urging caution while driving during these times.
The climatic context of dust phenomena in Saudi Arabia
Dust storms and dust-laden winds are a recurring weather phenomenon in the Arabian Peninsula, caused by its vast desert geography, such as the Rub' al Khali and Nafud al-Kabir deserts, which are major sources of sand and dust. These winds are typically active during the transitional periods between seasons and are influenced by the movement of low and high pressure systems passing through the region. This creates differences in atmospheric pressure, leading to strong winds capable of carrying large quantities of dust and sand over long distances, affecting large areas of the Kingdom and neighboring countries.
Expected effects and the importance of following warnings
These weather conditions have direct impacts on several sectors. In terms of health, those with respiratory illnesses and asthma, the elderly, and children are advised to avoid going out unless absolutely necessary and to use protective masks to minimize dust inhalation. Regarding transportation, reduced visibility due to dust or fog increases the risk of accidents on highways and may cause delays or cancellations of flights at airports in affected areas. Relevant authorities, such as Civil Defense and Highway Patrol, are issuing continuous warnings to drivers to exercise caution and adhere to safety instructions.
State of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
Regarding maritime traffic, the center predicted that surface winds over the Red Sea would be northwesterly to northerly in the northern and central parts, with speeds ranging from 25 to 50 km/h, resulting in moderate to rough waves reaching up to 2.5 meters in height. Meanwhile, winds over the southern part would be southeasterly to southwesterly at lower speeds. In the Arabian Gulf, light to moderate winds are expected, with calm sea conditions, where waves will not exceed one meter in height, making it more stable for navigation and maritime activities.
