Today's weather: Dusty winds and poor visibility in Saudi Arabia

The National Center for Meteorology issued its daily weather for Monday across Saudi Arabia, indicating continued weather fluctuations characterized by strong surface winds. The report explained that these winds will stir up dust and sand, leading to a significant decrease and near-zero visibility, particularly on highways and in open areas.

Areas affected by the dust storm

The forecast included large parts of the Riyadh , Eastern , and Najran , where dust storms were expected. The effects of this weather system also extended to the eastern parts of the southwestern highlands, as well as parts of the Makkah , Madinah , and Tabuk . This weather pattern is typical for this time of year, with surface winds becoming active due to differences in atmospheric pressure, stirring up sand in desert areas.

Climate context and expected impacts

These weather phenomena are part of the Arabian Peninsula's climatic pattern, with the geography of the central and eastern regions playing a significant role in how quickly the atmosphere is affected by downdrafts or strong winds that carry dust. These warnings are of paramount importance to those traveling on the highways connecting the Kingdom's provinces, as caution is always advised, along with reducing speed and avoiding road travel during peak dust storm times to ensure public safety. Health experts also advise those with respiratory conditions and asthma to take preventative measures and avoid direct exposure to dust.

Rain chances and sea conditions

On another note, the weather report did not rule out light rain that may be accompanied by fog formation in parts of the highlands of the Jazan and Asir , which would create a difference in the weather between the different regions of the Kingdom.

Regarding the state of the sea, the report provided the following details:

• The Red Sea: Northwesterly to northeasterly surface winds are expected in the northern and central parts at speeds ranging from 10 to 38 km/h, while southeasterly to southwesterly winds are expected in the southern part, potentially reaching speeds of up to 45 km/h towards the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Wave heights will range from half a meter to one and a half meters, potentially reaching two meters in the south, with sea conditions ranging from slight to moderate.
• Arabian Gulf: Northwesterly to westerly winds prevail at speeds ranging from 20-45 km/h, leading to waves of one to two meters high, and the sea state is moderately rough, which calls for the attention of fishermen and sea-goers in the eastern region.