Saudi Arabia weather: Dust storm warnings issued for Riyadh and the Eastern Province
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued weather conditions for today, Monday, warning of weather fluctuations that will directly affect several regions, most notably the Riyadh region and the Eastern Province. This report comes as part of the center's ongoing monitoring of weather changes to ensure the safety of citizens and residents.
Weather details for the Riyadh region
The center explained in its alert that large parts of the Riyadh region will experience surface wind activity leading to dust and sandstorms. According to the report, this weather condition will begin at noon and continue until 7:00 PM. The affected areas include Thadiq, Marat, Dawadmi, Afif, Zulfi, Ghat, Majmaah, and Shaqra. This phenomenon is expected to reduce horizontal visibility to between 3 and 5 kilometers, necessitating caution, especially for those using highways and open roads.
Dust storms and strong winds in the eastern region
In a related development, the National Center for Meteorology warned of a similar weather system affecting the Eastern Province. The phenomenon began at 7:00 AM and is expected to continue until 4:00 PM. The affected areas include the governorates of Al-Ahsa, Al-Udayd, Abqaiq, and Hafr Al-Batin. The system is characterized by strong, dust-laden winds, which will also reduce horizontal visibility in these areas.
Climate context and the importance of warnings
These warnings are particularly important given the geographical nature of Saudi Arabia, where open desert areas contribute to the rapid formation of dust storms when winds are active. Such fluctuations are part of the region's climatic characteristics, especially during seasonal transitions. The National Center of Meteorology plays a vital role in providing proactive information that helps relevant authorities and individuals take necessary precautions, whether to avoid traffic accidents caused by poor visibility or to take health precautions for those with respiratory conditions who may be affected by increased dust concentrations in the air.
Weather forecast for the rest of the Kingdom
In addition to Riyadh and the Eastern Province, the weather report indicated expectations of strong winds that could reach dust storm levels, leading to near-zero horizontal visibility in parts of Tabuk, Al-Jawf, and the Northern Borders regions, with a possibility of light rain. Meanwhile, the possibility of dense fog remains high in the highlands of Madinah, Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir, and Jazan, requiring extra caution while driving in those mountainous areas.
