The Meteorology Department warns of active winds and dust in Mecca and the Eastern Province today
The National Center for Meteorology issued a detailed report on the expected weather conditions for Wednesday, warning of weather fluctuations affecting large parts of the Makkah and Eastern regions. The weather conditions include active surface winds and dust storms, necessitating caution from citizens, residents, and those traveling on highways.
Weather details for the Makkah region
The center explained that the weather conditions in the Makkah region begin at 9:00 AM and continue until 6:00 PM. The weather phenomena are divided into two categories:
- Active winds: These include the governorates of Taif, Maysan, and Al-Kamil. Wind speeds will range between 40 and 49 kilometers per hour, which may lead to reduced horizontal visibility in open areas.
- Dust storms: These are concentrated in Al-Khurmah, Al-Muwayh, Turbah, and Ranyah. This condition is accompanied by a decrease in horizontal visibility to between (2-5) kilometers, requiring extra caution while driving.
Eastern Province weather: High winds and waves
Regarding the Eastern Province, the report indicated that the situation also begins at 9:00 AM and ends at 6:00 PM, and includes:
- Coastal cities (Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, Dhahran, Qatif, Ras Tanura): are experiencing active winds reaching speeds of up to 49 km/h, accompanied by high waves and reduced visibility, which may affect marine activities and small-scale navigation.
- Inland areas (Al-Ahsa, Al-Udayd, Buqayq): Affected by raised dust leading to a decrease in horizontal visibility to levels ranging between 2 and 5 kilometers.
Context of the weather situation and the importance of warnings
These weather fluctuations are occurring during the transitional periods the Kingdom is experiencing, characterized by active surface winds that stir up dust and sand, particularly in open areas and on highways connecting cities. This data, issued by the National Center for Meteorology's early warning system, is a crucial element in ensuring the safety of lives and property.
Public safety recommendations
Due to the expected reduced horizontal visibility, traffic safety experts advise drivers to maintain a safe distance between vehicles, use hazard lights when necessary, and avoid high speeds, especially on highways such as the Riyadh-Taif road or coastal roads in the Eastern Province. Those with respiratory conditions and asthma are also advised to avoid direct exposure to dust and remain indoors as much as possible during the warning period.
