Saudi Arabia weather today: Light fog and reduced visibility in 5 regions

The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued its daily weather report, warning of light fog affecting horizontal visibility in scattered areas of five major regions of the Kingdom. The report indicated that this weather condition began in the early morning hours of Tuesday and is expected to continue until 8:00 AM, urging caution on highways and open roads.

Weather details and affected areas

The center indicated in its report that the main effects of this weather condition are a reduction in horizontal visibility to between 3 and 5 kilometers. The center specified the areas and cities covered by the alert as follows:

• Eastern Province: The alert included the governorates of Jubail, Khobar, Khafji, Dammam, Qatif, and Ras Tanura, where high humidity coming from the Arabian Gulf contributes to the formation of fog.
• Jazan region: Al-Harth, Al-Dayer, Al-Raith, Al-Ardah, Al-Aydabi, Fifa and Haroub were all affected.
• Asir region: The situation included Al Namas, Balqarn, Tanomah, Abha and Khamis Mushait, which are high-altitude areas that usually experience an intensification of low clouds and fog.
• Al-Jawf region: The situation was concentrated in Al-Qurayyat and Tabarjal.
• Northern borders: The alert included the province of Tarif.

The importance of early warning and the role of the National Center for Meteorology

These alerts are part of the vital role played by the National Center of Meteorology in monitoring and tracking weather phenomena around the clock. The center relies on advanced technologies, including satellite imagery and weather radar, to analyze data and issue early warnings. These efforts aim to enhance public safety and protect lives and property, as early warnings help relevant authorities and citizens plan their daily activities in advance and avoid potential risks resulting from sudden weather changes.

Traffic safety guidelines during fog

Due to the reduced visibility caused by fog, traffic safety authorities consistently emphasize the importance of following safe driving guidelines in such conditions. Drivers are advised to reduce their speed according to road conditions, maintain a safe following distance to avoid collisions, and use fog lights or low-beam headlights instead of high beams, which can glare and reduce visibility due to reflections on water droplets. It is also crucial to stay in designated lanes and only overtake when absolutely necessary, ensuring the road is clear.

climatic and geographical context

Fog is a common weather phenomenon in the Kingdom during seasonal transitions and in winter, with the causes of its formation varying according to the geographical nature of the regions. In coastal areas such as the Eastern Province, fog forms due to high humidity and the air becoming saturated with water vapor. In mountainous regions such as Asir and Jazan, low temperatures and the overlap of low clouds with the mountain peaks play a major role in reducing visibility. In the northern regions, the low surface temperatures during the night and early morning hours contribute to the condensation of water vapor and the formation of radiation fog.