Today's weather: Dense fog and reduced visibility in 5 regions of Saudi Arabia

The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued weather , warning of varying fog intensity that will directly affect horizontal visibility in large parts of five major regions of the Kingdom during the early morning hours of Wednesday. This report is part of the Center's ongoing efforts to monitor weather fluctuations and alert citizens and residents to ensure their safety while traveling.

Weather details and timings

The center explained in its bulletin that the weather phenomenon began in the early morning hours and is expected to continue until 8:00 AM in some governorates, and until 9:00 AM in other areas. The effects of this fog range from a decrease in horizontal visibility to (3-5) kilometers in some locations, while other areas are experiencing higher fog density leading to near-zero visibility ranging from (1-3) kilometers, necessitating caution.

Areas and cities affected by fog

The alerts covered five main regions, with the weather conditions concentrated in the following cities and governorates:

• Makkah Region: The situation included the coastal and highland areas, specifically in Jeddah, Al-Lith, Al-Qunfudhah, Al-Shuaiba, in addition to Adham, Maysan, Bani Yazid, Jadhma, Yalamlam, Al-Ardiyat, and Al-Muzaylif.
• Asir region: Fog covered large parts of the highlands and Tihama plains, including Abha, Khamis Mushait (Ahad Rafidah), Al Namas, Tanomah, Balqarn, Al Majardah, Mahayil, Rijal Alma, Bariq, Al Birk, Al Qahmah, Sarat Abidah, Dhahran Al Janoub, Al Harjah, and Al Rabua.
• Jazan region: The city of Jazan, Sabya, Abu Arish, Al Darb, Bish, Farasan, in addition to mountainous areas such as Fifa, Haroub, Al Dayer, Al Reeth, Al Ardah, Al Eidabi, and Al Harth were affected.
• Al-Baha region: It includes the city of Al-Baha, Baljurashi, Al-Mandaq, Al-Qura, Bani Hassan, Al-Makhwah, Qalwa, Al-Hajrah, and Far’ah Ghamid Al-Zanad.
• Eastern region: The situation was concentrated in the southern and border areas such as Al-Adid and Dhablawtan.

The importance of warnings and safety guidelines

These warnings are of paramount importance given the terrain in the affected areas. Regions like Asir and Al-Baha are characterized by mountainous roads and steep slopes that demand clear visibility for safe driving, while the coastal highways in Mecca and Jazan experience heavy traffic. Authorities, such as the General Directorate of Traffic and Highway Security, typically urge drivers in such conditions to adhere to speed limits, use fog lights, and maintain a safe following distance to avoid accidents that could result from sudden loss of visibility.

This variation in weather reflects the diverse geographical nature of the Kingdom, where high humidity coming from the Red Sea contributes to the formation of dense fog on the coasts, while low temperatures over the southwestern highlands contribute to the condensation of clouds touching the ground, creating these typical foggy conditions at this time of year.