Today's weather: Dust storms and strong winds in Saudi Arabia
The National Center for Meteorology issued its daily weather for Tuesday in Saudi Arabia, warning of severe weather fluctuations that could affect daily life and traffic in several regions. The report indicates strong surface winds that will stir up dust and sand, urging citizens and residents to exercise caution.
Weather details and affected areas
According to the center's data, the Tabuk, Al-Jawf, and Northern Borders regions are experiencing strong winds , which in some areas are developing into dust storms, leading to near-zero horizontal visibility. This weather pattern is accompanied by a chance of light rain in scattered areas of these regions, which may help to moderate the weather somewhat after the dust storms.
The impact of the active winds is not limited to the northern regions, but extends to large parts of the Makkah, Madinah, Hail, Qassim, Riyadh, and Eastern Province regions, where the winds are stirring up dust and reducing visibility. In a related development, there is a chance of thunderstorms and rain over the northern parts of the Eastern Province, as well as the western and southwestern highlands of the Kingdom, with the possibility of fog forming during the night and early morning hours.
The state of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
Regarding maritime navigation, the report indicated that the Red Sea is experiencing northwesterly to northerly surface winds reaching speeds of over 45 km/h towards the Gulf of Aqaba, resulting in waves exceeding 2.5 meters and creating rough sea conditions. Meanwhile, in the Arabian Gulf, southwesterly winds are active, reaching speeds of up to 50 km/h, accompanied by thunderstorms, which are also causing waves to reach 2.5 meters.
Geographical and climatic context
These weather fluctuations are part of the climatic characteristics of Saudi Arabia, especially during the transitional periods between seasons. The desert geography of the northern and eastern regions plays a significant role in amplifying the impact of winds, as the loose soil and open spaces facilitate the rapid formation of dust storms when winds intensify. These phenomena are common but always require close monitoring of weather forecasts to ensure public safety.
Special alerts for the Eastern Province
The National Center for Meteorology issued specific warnings for the Eastern Province regarding blowing dust and reduced horizontal visibility (3-5 kilometers). This condition will begin at 4:00 AM in Hafr Al-Batin, extending to Al-Khafji, Al-Nu'ayriyah, and Qaryat Al-Ulya starting at 9:00 AM, and will continue until 5:00 PM.
Expected effects and safety advice
This weather system is expected to directly impact highways connecting the affected areas, requiring drivers to reduce speed and use hazard lights. Doctors and health experts also advise those with respiratory conditions and asthma to avoid direct exposure to dust and remain indoors as much as possible during peak storm hours to ensure their safety.
