Weather in Saudi Arabia: Winds and dust in 11 regions, and important warnings issued
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued weather , indicating continued weather fluctuations affecting large areas of the Kingdom. The report highlighted strong surface winds stirring up dust and sand, urging caution from citizens and residents, especially those using highways and open areas.
Weather details and affected areas
According to the weather report, the impact of strong winds and the resulting reduction in horizontal visibility continues across 11 administrative regions. This includes the eastern parts of the Asir, Al-Baha, and Makkah regions. The effects also extend to large parts of the Riyadh, Madinah, Qassim, Hail, Al-Jawf, and Northern Borders regions, reaching as far as the northern parts of the Eastern Province. In a significant development, the report indicated the possibility of near-zero horizontal visibility in parts of the Tabuk region, requiring heightened caution.
On another note, there is still a chance of light rain in parts of the western highlands of the Kingdom, coinciding with the possibility of dense fog forming during the early morning and late night hours in parts of the highlands of Al-Baha, Asir, and Jazan, which may greatly impede visibility in the mountainous areas.
Climate context and weather effects
This weather pattern is typical for this time of year, as the Kingdom experiences fluctuations due to variations in atmospheric pressure, which contribute to increased surface wind activity. These weather phenomena are of great importance due to their direct impact on daily life and intercity travel. Dust and sandstorms not only affect visibility but can also have health consequences, particularly for those with respiratory conditions and asthma, necessitating adherence to health guidelines and avoiding direct exposure to dust.
Special alerts for the Riyadh region
The National Center for Meteorology issued an advanced warning for the Riyadh region regarding blowing dust, with the phenomenon expected to begin at 9:00 AM and continue until 5:00 PM. The warning covers several governorates, including: Dawadmi, Al-Rayn, Al-Quway'iyah, Afif, As-Sulayyil, Wadi Ad-Dawasir, Az-Zulfi, Al-Ghat, Al-Majma'ah, and Shaqra. This weather pattern is expected to be accompanied by strong winds that will reduce horizontal visibility to between 3 and 5 kilometers.
State of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
Regarding the sea conditions, the report indicated that surface winds over the Red Sea will be northwesterly to northerly in the northern and central parts, reaching speeds of up to 45 km/h towards the Gulf of Aqaba. This will cause waves to rise to more than 2.5 meters, creating rough sea conditions in that area. In the Arabian Gulf, winds will be light to moderate northwesterly, with wave heights ranging from half a meter to one meter, resulting in calm sea conditions.
