Today's weather: Dense fog covers 8 Saudi regions; warnings issued to drivers

The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued weather conditions for today, Monday, warning of varying intensities of fog directly affecting large parts of eight administrative regions. The center explained that this weather condition will persist during the early morning hours, necessitating caution from citizens and residents, especially those traveling on highways and in open areas.

Weather details and its effects

According to the weather report, the effects associated with this weather condition are a decrease in horizontal visibility to range between (3-5) kilometers in some locations, while it may reach a near-zero visibility of (1-3) kilometers in other locations, which poses a real challenge to traffic and transportation.

Areas and cities affected by fog

The alerts covered a wide range of cities and provinces, reflecting the comprehensive nature of the weather situation. The distributions were as follows:

• Makkah Region: It includes the Holy City, Adham, Maysan, Al-Khurmah, Al-Muwayh, Turbah, Ranyah, in addition to the high and tourist areas such as Al-Shafa, Taif, and Al-Hada.
• Medina: The governorates of Al-Rais, Yanbu, and Al-Mahd were affected.
• Tabuk region: Fog is concentrated on the highlands such as Jabal Al-Lawz, Halat Ammar, and Al-Aqan.
• Northern borders: included the cities of Arar and Tarif.
• Al-Jawf region: Dumat Al-Jandal, Sakaka, Al-Qurayyat, and Tabarjal.
• Al-Baha region: Al-Qura, Al-Mandaq, Al-Baha city, Baljurashi, and Bani Hassan.
• Jazan region: Al Darb, Bish, Abu Arish, Ahad Al Masarihah, Al Tuwal, Al Fatihah, Samtah, Sabya, Damad, Al Harth, Al Dayer, Al Reeth, Al Aridhah, Al Eidabi, Fifa, and Haroub.
• Asir region: Al Majardah, Bariq, Rijal Alma, Mahayil, Abha, Ahad Rafidah, Khamis Mushait, Al Namas, Balqarn, and Tanomah.

Geographical and climatic context

These weather phenomena are part of the Kingdom's typical climate patterns during transitional periods and winter, as Saudi Arabia's diverse geography contributes to weather variations. Mountainous and highland regions, such as the Sarawat Mountains stretching from Taif through Al-Baha and Asir to Jazan, provide fertile ground for dense fog formation due to low temperatures, saturated air with moisture, and contact with the cold mountain surfaces. Northern regions (Tabuk, Al-Jawf, and the Northern Borders) are also affected by cold air masses that contribute to water vapor condensation.

The importance of warnings and safety measures

These warnings are of paramount importance for maintaining public safety, as fog directly impacts traffic flow on highways connecting the provinces. Relevant authorities, including traffic and road security, urge drivers to adhere to speed limits, use fog lights, and maintain a safe following distance to avoid traffic accidents that may result from sudden loss of visibility.