Today's weather: Dense fog and reduced visibility in 8 Saudi regions

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The National Center for Meteorology issued a detailed report on weather conditions , warning of varying intensities of fog affecting large parts of Saudi Arabia, including eight major regions. The center explained that this weather pattern began in the early morning hours of Wednesday, urging citizens and residents, especially drivers on highways and open roads, to exercise caution.

Weather details and timings

The report indicated that the weather phenomenon would persist until 7:00 AM in some areas and extend to 8:00 AM in others. The accompanying effects ranged from reduced horizontal visibility of 3-5 kilometers to near-zero visibility of 1-3 kilometers in other locations, posing a challenge to morning traffic.

Areas and cities affected by fog

The alerts included the following regions, with their cities and governorates:

Eastern Province: Jubail, Khobar, Khafji, Dammam, Qatif, Ras Tanura, Al-Ahsa, Al-Udayd, and Abqaiq.
Makkah Region: Al-Shuaiba, Al-Qunfudhah, Al-Laith, Al-Kamil, Rahat, Madrakah, and Taif.
Medina: Al-Mahd, Wadi Al-Fara’, Al-Hanakiya, and Medina.
Asir region: Al-Barak, Al-Qahmah, Abha, Al-Namas, Balqarn, Tanomah, and Khamis Mushait.
Jazan region: Farasan Island, Jazan city, Al Darb, and Bish.
Northern border: Tarif Governorate.
Al-Jawf region: Al-Qurayyat and Tabarjal.
Tabuk region: Al Wajh and Duba.

The importance of early warning and the role of meteorology

These alerts are part of the vital role played by the National Center for Meteorology in the Kingdom, which relies on the latest technologies, weather monitoring systems, and satellites to track weather fluctuations. These warnings are of paramount importance to ensuring the safety of lives and property, as the accuracy of the information enables relevant authorities, such as Civil Defense and Traffic Police, to take the necessary measures to regulate traffic and intervene quickly when needed.

Climate context and its effects

Fog is a common weather phenomenon at this time of year in the Kingdom, resulting from high relative humidity and low minimum temperatures, especially in coastal areas and mountainous regions. This weather directly impacts daily life, from maritime and air traffic to the morning commutes of employees and students.

Traffic safety guidelines

Due to reduced visibility, traffic safety experts advise following safe driving guidelines in fog, which include:

Reduce speed in proportion to visibility distance.
Use fog lights or low beam lights instead of high beams to avoid light reflection.
Leave a sufficient safe distance between vehicles.
Avoid sudden changes in routes.

The National Center of Meteorology emphasizes the need to follow updated reports through its official channels to ensure access to accurate and up-to-the-minute information on weather developments.