Saudi Arabia weather forecast for Saturday: Warnings of winds, dust, and fog in 8 regions
The National Center for Meteorology announced its weather forecast for Saudi Arabia on Saturday, warning of continued unstable weather conditions affecting large parts of the country. The forecast includes active winds stirring up dust and sand, reducing horizontal visibility, as well as a chance of dense fog forming during the night and early morning hours in some coastal areas.
Active winds and blowing dust
According to the center's report, the impact of active surface winds that stir up dust and sand is expected to continue in parts of several regions, namely:
- Northern Border Region
- Al-Jawf region
- Tabuk region
- Hail region
- Madinah region
- Makkah Region
These winds may lead to a significant decrease in horizontal visibility on open roads and desert areas, which calls for caution and vigilance.
chances of fog formation
In a related context, the center indicated that the opportunity remains for fog to form during the night and early morning hours, leading to a noticeable decrease in horizontal visibility, especially on the coastal parts of the Makkah and Eastern regions.
The climatic context of weather phenomena in the Kingdom
These warnings are in line with the prevailing climatic conditions across most of Saudi Arabia. Due to its geographical location and vast desert areas, such as the Empty Quarter and the Great Nafud Desert, the Kingdom is among the regions most affected by sand and dust storms, particularly during seasonal transitions. These phenomena are known locally for their significant impact on daily life. The National Center of Meteorology plays a vital role in monitoring these weather changes and issuing early warnings to ensure the safety of citizens and residents.
Expected effects and safety guidelines
The expected weather fluctuations have multiple effects that require caution and vigilance:
health effects
Dust and sandstorms can pose a risk to public health, especially for those with asthma, allergies, and respiratory conditions. Therefore, health authorities advise staying indoors as much as possible during windy conditions, keeping windows tightly closed, and wearing protective masks when going outside is necessary.
Transport and communications safety
Reduced horizontal visibility due to dust or fog directly impacts road safety, increasing the likelihood of traffic accidents. Drivers are advised to exercise extreme caution, reduce speed, maintain a safe following distance, and use fog lights if available.
Maritime navigation status
The center issued a detailed report on the state of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf, due to its paramount importance for the safety of navigation and fishing.
Red Sea
- Surface winds: Northwesterly to northerly over the northern and central parts, and southeasterly to southwesterly over the southern part, with speeds ranging between 15-35 km/h, and may reach 45 km/h towards the Gulf of Aqaba and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
- Wave height: from half a meter to one and a half meters, reaching two meters towards the Gulf of Aqaba and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
- Sea state: Light to moderate waves.
Arabian Gulf
- Surface winds: Northwesterly to westerly at a speed of 10-28 km/h.
- Wave height: from half a meter to one meter.
- Sea state: Light waves.
The center calls on everyone to follow its continuous updates and to adhere to the instructions issued by the relevant authorities to ensure their safety.
