Weather warning: Dense fog in 5 Saudi regions this morning

The National Center of Meteorology issues an advanced warning

The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued a weather alert on Tuesday, indicating the formation of light to moderate fog in parts of five major regions. The center explained in its report that this weather phenomenon began in the early morning hours and is expected to continue until 8:00 AM, leading to a significant decrease in horizontal visibility, potentially dropping to between 3 and 5 kilometers in some affected areas.

The general context of the fog phenomenon in Saudi Arabia

Fog formation is a natural meteorological phenomenon that occurs when the air near the Earth's surface cools to its dew point, causing water vapor to condense into tiny water droplets that remain suspended in the air. In the Kingdom, this phenomenon is often associated with the transitional periods between seasons, particularly late autumn and winter, when the temperature difference between day and night increases. Relative humidity plays a crucial role in fog formation, especially in coastal areas and near bodies of water, as well as in mountainous regions characterized by their cold and humid climate.

Expected effects and the importance of warnings

The primary importance of weather warnings lies in their direct impact on public safety, particularly on transportation. Reduced horizontal visibility poses a significant challenge to drivers on highways and main roads connecting affected cities and governorates, increasing the likelihood of traffic accidents. Therefore, relevant authorities, such as the General Directorate of Traffic and Civil Defense, emphasize the need for caution, reduced speed, use of fog lights, and maintaining a safe distance between vehicles. Air traffic may also be slightly affected at some local airports if visibility drops below the minimum threshold for safe takeoff and landing.

Areas and governorates affected by fog

The alert issued by the National Center for Meteorology included a number of governorates and cities within five administrative regions, which are as follows:

• Eastern Region: Al-Adid Governorate.
• Makkah Region: Al Qunfudhah, Al Lith, Al Khurmah, Al Muwayh, Turbah and Taif Governorates.
• Asir region: Abha, Khamis Mushait, Al Namas, Balqarn, Tanomah, Al Majardah, Bariq, Rijal Alma, Mahayil, Ahad Rafidah.
• Al-Jawf region: Al-Qurayyat and Tabarjal.
• Northern Border Region: Tarif Governorate.

Weather forecast for the coming days

In a related context, the center predicted that dust-raising winds would continue on Wednesday in parts of the Tabuk, Madinah, and Makkah regions, particularly their coastal areas. The effects will also extend to the Northern Borders, Al-Jawf, Hail, Qassim, Riyadh, and Eastern Province regions. Meanwhile, the chance of scattered rain and fog remains high in parts of the Jazan, Asir, and Al-Baha regions, as well as parts of northern Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the public should continue to monitor weather reports issued by official authorities.