Today's weather: Winds and dust in 9 regions of Saudi Arabia
The National Center for Meteorology issued its daily weather report for Thursday in Saudi Arabia, indicating continued weather fluctuations affecting several regions. The report included important warnings about strong surface winds stirring up dust and sand, leading to a significant decrease in horizontal visibility. Citizens and residents, especially those traveling on highways, are advised to exercise caution.
Weather details and affected areas
According to the center's data, the impact of active winds stirring up dust and sand will affect large parts of the Makkah, Madinah, and Tabuk regions. This weather pattern will also extend to the western parts of the Northern Borders, Al-Jawf, Hail, and Riyadh regions, in addition to impacting parts of the Najran and Eastern Provinces. Furthermore, forecasts indicate partly cloudy to cloudy skies, with a chance of light rain in scattered areas of northern Saudi Arabia.
climatic and geographical context
This weather pattern is typical of Saudi Arabia's climate during seasonal transitions or when the region is affected by air masses of varying pressure. Given the Kingdom's desert geography, any surface wind activity often stirs up sand and dust particles, causing dust storms that can blanket vast areas. Accurate monitoring of these phenomena by the National Center of Meteorology is a crucial component of the early warning system designed to protect lives and property.
Expected effects and safety recommendations
These weather conditions have a direct impact on daily life, as the dust storms reduce air quality, which can negatively affect those with respiratory illnesses, asthma, and allergies. Therefore, it is generally advised to avoid direct exposure to dust and to wear masks when necessary. On the traffic front, reduced visibility poses a hazard on highways and open roads connecting these areas, requiring drivers to adhere to speed limits and maintain safe following distances.
State of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
Regarding the maritime situation, the report indicated that the Red Sea is experiencing surface winds ranging from 18 to 42 km/h, potentially reaching 55 km/h towards the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, with wave heights reaching up to 2.5 meters, creating rough sea conditions in that area. In the Arabian Gulf, winds are northwesterly to westerly at speeds reaching 52 km/h, with wave heights exceeding 2.5 meters in the central and southern parts, necessitating caution from fishermen and other seafarers.
