Mid-year holiday weather 1447: Rain and dust cover the Kingdom
As the countdown to the start of the school holidays begins, the National Center for Meteorology has issued a detailed and comprehensive report on the expected weather conditions during the mid-year break of the academic year 1447 AH. The report warns of a variety of weather phenomena that will affect most regions of the Kingdom, ranging from active winds stirring up dust and of rainfall , in addition to a noticeable drop in temperatures.
Wind and dust map and its impact on roads
Weather forecasts indicate a significant increase in surface winds, stirring up dust and sand, with these winds expected to intensify particularly during daylight hours. This activity may lead to reduced horizontal visibility, and near-zero visibility in some open areas and on highways connecting cities, necessitating extreme caution from road travelers.
The report identified the areas most affected by these dust storms as large parts of Tabuk, Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders, Hail, Makkah, and Madinah. The impact will not stop there; the strong winds will extend their effects to Al-Qassim, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, potentially impacting outdoor activities in those areas.
Signs of rain and cold waves
On a more positive note, the National Center for Meteorology forecasts rainfall towards the end of this week. There is a good chance of varying intensities of rain in parts of Tabuk, Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders, and Hail regions, as well as the Makkah and Madinah regions, promising pleasant spring weather after the rainfall.
The weather forecast also warned of cold weather at night and in the early morning, especially in the northern regions of the Kingdom and the southwestern highlands, which may witness the formation of fog and frost, which requires wearing appropriate winter clothes and exercising caution while driving on mountain slopes.
The importance of weather forecasts for domestic travel and tourism
These forecasts are particularly significant given their timing with the mid-year school break, a period that typically sees a surge in domestic travel within the Kingdom. Many citizens and residents head to desert areas for camping trips, travel to Mecca to perform Umrah, or visit tourist destinations across the country.
Historical data on the Kingdom's climate at this time of year indicates that weather is often characterized by rapid changes due to the passage of low-pressure systems originating from the Mediterranean Sea. These systems directly affect the northern and western regions before extending to the central and eastern areas. This typical weather pattern necessitates continuous monitoring of current weather forecasts to ensure safe travel.
Public safety recommendations
In closing its report, the National Center of Meteorology called on everyone to follow the daily reports closely through official platforms, and to take precautions when horizontal visibility decreases due to dust or when rain falls and valleys flow, wishing all students and their families a happy and safe holiday.
