The Meteorology Department warns of strong winds in Hail and Tabuk today
The National Center for Meteorology issued urgent warnings today regarding the expected weather conditions in parts of the Hail and Tabuk regions, warning of weather fluctuations that may affect traffic and horizontal visibility in open areas and highways.
Weather details in the Hail region
The center explained in its daily report that the Hail region is experiencing active surface winds, with wind speeds reaching between 40 and 49 kilometers per hour. The report indicated that this weather condition affects open areas and highways connecting the governorates, leading to dust storms and consequently reduced horizontal visibility . The meteorology department stated that this ongoing condition, God willing, will end by 7:00 PM today, urging motorists to exercise caution.
Strong winds and high waves in Tabuk
In a related development, the center issued a special alert for the Tabuk region, specifically the coastal governorates of Al Wajh and Umluj. These areas are experiencing strong winds with speeds ranging from 50 to 59 kilometers per hour. These powerful winds are causing near-zero horizontal visibility due to blowing dust, in addition to a significant rise in Red Sea waves, which may affect maritime activities and fishing operations. This weather pattern is expected to continue until 6:00 PM.
The importance of warnings and their impact on public safety
These warnings are of paramount importance given the Kingdom's geography, as the open areas of Hail and the coastal regions of Tabuk are particularly susceptible to rapid weather changes. Active winds and blowing dust directly impact road safety, especially on highways that experience heavy truck and passenger traffic. Authorities, such as Civil Defense and Highway Patrol, typically urge citizens and residents to adhere to speed limits and maintain safe following distances while driving in such conditions to avoid accidents caused by reduced visibility.
Climate context: Weather fluctuations in northern regions
The northern and northwestern regions of Saudi Arabia, such as Hail and Tabuk, experience frequent surface wind activity, particularly during seasonal transitions. These winds play a significant role in shaping the region's climatic characteristics, influenced by low-pressure systems originating from the Mediterranean Sea or by local atmospheric pressure variations. The National Center of Meteorology plays a vital role in monitoring these changes using state-of-the-art technologies and radar equipment, providing accurate and up-to-date information that contributes to protecting lives and property and supporting critical sectors such as transportation and maritime navigation.
