Saudi Arabia's weather today: Dust storms, strong winds, and zero visibility
The National Center for Meteorology issued its daily weather for Monday, warning of severe weather fluctuations affecting several regions in Saudi Arabia. The report indicates significant surface wind activity that will stir up dust and sand, urging citizens and residents, especially those traveling on highways, to exercise caution.
Weather details and affected areas
the Tabuk, Al-Jawf, and Northern Borders regions are experiencing strong winds, which in some areas have developed into dense dust storms, leading to near-zero horizontal visibility. This weather pattern is part of the seasonal fluctuations the Kingdom is experiencing, as the open desert geography of these areas contributes to the rapid formation of dust storms when winds are active.
The report also did not rule out light rain in parts of those northern regions, which may contribute to easing the weather somewhat after the dust storm, but the main warning remains focused on low visibility.
Eastern Province Alerts
In a related development, the National Center for Meteorology warned of the effects of dust and sandstorms on parts of the Eastern Province . The affected areas include the governorates of Al-Ahsa, Al-Udayd, Abqaiq, and Hafr Al-Batin. This weather phenomenon began at 7:00 AM and is expected to continue until 4:00 PM.
Forecasts indicate that the active winds in these areas will lead to a decrease in horizontal visibility to between (3-5) kilometers, which requires drivers to double their attention and leave safe distances to avoid traffic accidents that may result from poor visibility.
State of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
Regarding maritime navigation, the report described wind patterns and wave conditions as follows:
- Red Sea: North to northwesterly winds prevail over the northern and central parts, while southeasterly to southerly winds prevail over the southern part, with speeds ranging from 12 to 42 km/h. Wave height ranges from half a meter to one and a half meters, with sea conditions ranging from slight to moderate.
- The Arabian Gulf: The waters are experiencing northwesterly to westerly winds (north and central) and southwesterly to westerly winds (south), with speeds reaching 42 km/h, and wave heights reaching one and a half meters.
Fog and its effects
On the other hand, there is still a chance of dense fog during the early morning and late night hours in the highlands and parts of the regions of Madinah, Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir and Jazan , which may greatly impede horizontal visibility in mountainous areas and rough roads.
General tips and guidelines
Given these dusty conditions, public health experts advise people with respiratory illnesses, asthma, and allergies to avoid direct exposure to dust and stay indoors as much as possible. Authorities also emphasize the importance of monitoring current weather forecasts and adhering to civil defense instructions to ensure public safety during these weather fluctuations.
