Weather details for Riyadh and the Eastern Province: Rain and fog
The National Center for Meteorology issued a detailed report outlining weather developments in Riyadh and the Eastern Province, warning of significant weather fluctuations including moderate to heavy rainfall and varying intensities of fog during the early morning hours of Monday. These warnings are issued as part of the relevant authorities' commitment to the safety of citizens and residents and to guiding them to take necessary precautions.
Rain and fog map for the capital and governorates
According to the report, the fog will begin affecting the Riyadh region from 3:00 AM until 8:00 AM, encompassing the capital city of Riyadh, Diriyah, Dawadmi, Al-Rayn, Al-Quway'iyah, and Afif. This will be accompanied by a significant decrease in horizontal visibility, ranging from 3 to 5 kilometers, and potentially reaching near-zero visibility (1-3 kilometers) in some open areas and on highways.
In addition, other parts of the region are experiencing moderate rainfall that will continue until 5:00 AM, concentrated in Al-Hariq, Al-Kharj, Al-Dilam, Al-Muzahmiya, and Hawtat Bani Tamim. The chance of rain extends until 9:00 AM in Al-Aflaj, As-Sulayyil, and Wadi Ad-Dawasir. These rains will be accompanied by strong winds, hail, flash floods in valleys and ravines, and scattered thunderstorms.
Extension of the weather conditions in the eastern region
The warnings weren't limited to the capital; the Eastern Province also experienced a wave of dense fog that persisted until 8:00 AM, affecting vital cities such as Dammam, Khobar, Dhahran, Jubail, Qatif, Ras Tanura, and Hafr al-Batin, with near-zero horizontal visibility. Moderate rain was also falling on Al-Ahsa, Al-Udayd, and Abqaiq until 9:00 AM, accompanied by similar effects including strong winds, hail, and flash floods.
Climate patterns and history of weather fluctuations in the Kingdom
Historically, the Arabian Peninsula, and Saudi Arabia in particular, has been known for its sharp weather fluctuations during the transitional periods between seasons. At these times of year, warm, humid air masses from the Arabian Sea and the Arabian Gulf collide with cold air masses, creating a fertile environment for the formation of thunderstorms and dense radiation fog in the early morning hours. These phenomena are part of the natural climatic cycle to which the region is accustomed, and meteorological observatories have historically played a vital role in monitoring these changes with great precision to mitigate potential risks.
The impact of weather conditions in Riyadh and the Eastern Province on public life
have The weather conditions in Riyadh significant local and regional implications. Locally, reduced visibility and flash floods necessitate heightened efforts from traffic authorities and civil defense to manage morning traffic, particularly as employees and students head to work and school. This requires everyone to exercise extreme caution and avoid areas prone to flooding.
From an environmental and economic perspective, these rains represent a vital source of groundwater replenishment in the Kingdom. They contribute directly to the revitalization of vegetation and support the agricultural sector, aligning with national environmental initiatives. Regionally, these weather patterns reflect the interconnectedness of climate systems in the Gulf region, with neighboring countries often affected by the extension of these low-pressure systems, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation in meteorology and early warning systems.
