Weather alerts: Winds and frost in the Eastern Province, and dust in Najran and Hail
The National Center for Meteorology issued today a series of urgent weather alerts covering several regions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, warning of significant weather fluctuations ranging from active winds stirring up dust to frost waves in which temperatures may drop below zero degrees Celsius, which calls for caution and vigilance on the part of citizens, residents and highway users.
Weather details for the Eastern Province
In the Eastern Province, the center warned of significant surface wind activity with speeds ranging from 40 to 49 kilometers per hour. This includes the governorates of Buqayq and Al-Ahsa , where these winds will stir up dust and sand, causing near-zero or reduced horizontal visibility, especially in open areas and on highways. The center indicated that this weather condition is expected to continue, God willing, until 5:00 PM.
In a related development, the center warned of cold wave hitting the northern parts of the Eastern Province, specifically the governorates of Hafr Al-Batin and Al-Nairiyah . This wave is expected to cause frost, with forecasts indicating minimum temperatures will drop to near zero degrees Celsius and may even reach -3 degrees Celsius in some areas. This necessitates taking necessary precautions to protect against the effects of the extreme cold.
Dust storms in Najran and winds in Hail
Meanwhile, the Najran a dust storm that directly impacted horizontal visibility. This affected the city of Najran and the governorates of Badr Al-Janoub, Thar, Yadmah, Khubash, and Habuna. The center indicated that visibility might drop to between 1 and 3 kilometers, and this condition was expected to persist until 3:00 PM.
As for the Hail , the weather forecast warned of strong winds affecting open areas and highways, with speeds reaching (40-49) km/h, leading to reduced horizontal visibility, and their effects will continue until 8 pm.
The importance of early warning and the role of meteorology
These alerts are part of the vital role played by the National Center of Meteorology in monitoring and tracking weather phenomena with high accuracy. The center relies on an automated early warning system, in accordance with international standards, to protect lives and property and mitigate the effects of extreme weather events. This information is essential for service and security agencies to enhance their field preparedness.
Seasonal weather effects in the Kingdom
Saudi Arabia's diverse topography and climate make it susceptible to such fluctuations, especially during seasonal transitions or winter. Open and desert areas like the Eastern Province and Hail are particularly vulnerable to surface wind activity and frost formation due to their geographical characteristics. Therefore, experts always advise following official weather forecasts and avoiding speeding on highways during sandstorms to ensure public safety.
