Weather in Saudi Arabia: Winds and dust in 10 regions, and meteorological warnings issued
The National Center for Meteorology issued its daily weather report for Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, indicating that the unstable weather conditions affecting most regions of the Kingdom will continue. The center's statement predicted that surface winds will stir up dust and sand, significantly reducing horizontal visibility. This necessitates caution from citizens and residents, especially drivers on highways.
Areas affected by wind and dust
The report explained that the impact of active, dust-raising winds will affect large parts of the Kingdom, with 10 main regions identified as likely to experience this weather phenomenon:
- Makkah region.
- Riyadh region.
- AL Madinah AL Munawwarah.
- Al-Qassim region.
- Hail region.
- Tabuk region.
- Al-Jawf region.
- Northern borders.
- Eastern Province.
- Najran region.
The center also indicated that this weather condition will extend to include the eastern parts of the southwestern highlands of the Kingdom, reflecting the comprehensiveness of the weather condition over wide geographical areas.
Geographical and climatic context
These weather fluctuations are part of the climatic nature of Saudi Arabia, characterized by its vast desert expanses. Active surface winds are a major factor in stirring up dust and sand, especially in open areas. These phenomena play a significant role in shaping the daily weather landscape, as wind speed and direction directly affect air quality and visibility. This underscores the importance of continuously monitoring weather forecasts issued by the National Center of Meteorology to ensure public safety.
Sea conditions in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
Regarding the marine conditions, the report detailed the movement of winds and waves as follows:
Red Sea
- Surface winds: They will be northwesterly to southwesterly in the northern part, and will turn northerly and northwesterly in the central and southern parts, with speeds ranging from 15 to 30 km/h.
- Wave height: ranging between half a meter and one and a half meters.
- Sea state: Light to moderate waves.
Arabian Gulf
- Surface winds: Active northwesterly winds with speeds ranging from 25 to 50 km/h.
- Wave height: from one and a half meters up to two and a half meters.
- Sea conditions: Moderate to rough, requiring caution for seafarers and fishermen.
Special alerts for the Eastern Province
The National Center for Meteorology issued additional warnings for the Eastern Province, cautioning against the effects of strong winds and dust storms that began at 9:00 AM and will continue until 6:00 PM. These warnings cover the cities and governorates of Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, Dhahran, Qatif, and Ras Tanura.
The effects associated with this condition include:
- Reduced horizontal visibility.
- High waves in the Arabian Gulf.
- Strong winds reaching speeds of (40-49) kilometers per hour.
Meanwhile, the governorates of Al-Ahsa, Al-Adid, and Buqayq are experiencing dust storms accompanied by a decrease in horizontal visibility to between (2-5) kilometers.
The importance and impact of warnings
These warnings are of paramount importance for preserving lives and property. Locally, dust storms and reduced visibility directly impact traffic, particularly on highways connecting the Kingdom's far-flung regions. They also have health effects on those with respiratory conditions and asthma, requiring them to avoid direct exposure to dust. These periodic reports underscore the commitment of relevant authorities in the Kingdom to providing accurate and timely information to the public, thereby enhancing preparedness for various weather conditions.
