Today's weather: Winds, dust, and sandstorms in 8 regions of Saudi Arabia
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued its daily weather for Wednesday, indicating continued weather fluctuations across several regions of the Kingdom. The report explained that the most prominent feature of the weather is the continued impact of active winds stirring up dust and sand, leading to reduced horizontal visibility in large areas, including the Northern Borders, Al-Jawf, Tabuk, Al-Qassim, Madinah, Makkah, and Riyadh regions, extending to parts of the Eastern Province.
climatic and geographical context
These weather fluctuations are a natural consequence of Saudi Arabia's geography and climate. The open desert regions are highly responsive to changes in atmospheric pressure, generating active surface winds capable of stirring up sand and dust. Such weather phenomena are typical during seasonal transitions, when wind activity increases and the likelihood of dust storms rises, potentially impacting daily life and transportation.
Weather and sea conditions details
Regarding coastal areas, the center did not rule out the formation of fog during the night and early morning hours along the southwestern coastal regions of the Kingdom, urging caution for those using highways in those areas. As for sea conditions, the report provided the following details:
- The Red Sea: It is experiencing northwesterly to northerly surface winds on the northern and central parts, and southeasterly to southwesterly winds on the southern part, with speeds ranging from 15 to 30 km/h, with wave heights ranging from half a meter to one and a half meters, and a light to moderate sea state.
- Arabian Gulf: Surface winds will be southeasterly to southwesterly at a speed of 15-32 km/h, and may reach 40 km/h in the northern part, with a similar wave height and a light to moderate sea state.
Special alerts for the Eastern Province and safety implications
The National Center for Meteorology issued an advanced warning for the Eastern Province regarding "blowing dust," with the phenomenon expected to begin at 9:00 AM and continue until 7:00 PM. This warning covers the governorates of Hafr Al-Batin, Al-Khafji, Al-Nairiyah, and Qaryat Al-Ulya. This condition is expected to reduce horizontal visibility to between 3 and 5 kilometers.
These weather conditions are of particular concern locally, as the dust-laden winds affect those with respiratory illnesses and asthma, necessitating preventative measures. They also directly impact the safety of highways connecting the Kingdom's far-flung regions, requiring drivers to adhere to speed limits and follow traffic safety guidelines issued by the relevant authorities to ensure their own safety and the safety of other road users.
