Weather alerts: Dense fog in 8 regions and reduced visibility
The National Center for Meteorology issued an important weather alert regarding conditions during the early morning hours of Tuesday. Widespread fog, ranging from light to dense, is expected across large parts of the Kingdom. The center explained in its report that this weather pattern will continue until 8:00 AM, urging drivers and highway users to exercise caution.
Weather details and its effects
The report indicated that the prevailing weather phenomenon is reduced horizontal visibility, ranging between 3 and 5 kilometers in areas of light fog, while visibility is completely absent or drops to less than one kilometer in areas experiencing dense fog. These warnings are part of the vital role played by the National Center of Meteorology in monitoring weather fluctuations to ensure the safety of lives and property.
Areas and cities affected by fog
The alert covered 8 main regions, where fog is expected to cover the following cities and provinces:
- Makkah Region: Includes the highlands and open areas in Al-Khurmah, Al-Muwayh, Turabah, Ranyah, in addition to the tourist areas in Al-Shafa, Al-Hada and Maysan.
- Medina region: The situation is concentrated in Al-Hanakiya and Al-Mahd.
- Tabuk region: Tayma governorate is directly affected.
- Hail region: includes Al-Hait, Al-Sulaimi, Al-Shamli, Al-Shanan, Al-Ghazala, Al-Kahfa, Al-Mustajda, Baqaa, Hail city, Samira, Ghazlana, and Muwaqq.
- Al-Qassim region: It covers vast areas including Abanat, Al-Asyah, Al-Badai, Al-Bukayriyah, Al-Thamiriyah, Al-Khabra, Ar-Rass, Ash-Shamasiyah, Al-Ammar, Al-Fawarah, Al-Mudhnib, An-Nabhaniah, Buraydah, Riyadh Al-Khabra, Dhariyah, Uqlat As-Suqur, Unayzah, and Uyun Al-Jawa.
- Al-Baha region: includes villages, Al-Mandaq, Al-Baha city, Baljurashi, and Bani Hassan.
- Asir region: The southern highlands in Al Namas, Balqarn, Tanomah, Abha, Ahad Rafidah, Khamis Mushait, Al Harjah, Al Rabwah, Al Farsha, Sarat Abidah, and Dhahran Al Janoub are affected.
- Jazan region: It includes the mountainous and border areas of Al-Harth, Al-Dayer, Al-Raith, Al-Ardah, Al-Aydabi, Fifa, and Haroub.
Climate context and the importance of the warning
Fog is a common weather phenomenon in the Kingdom during seasonal transitions and in winter, especially in mountainous and highland areas such as Asir, Al-Baha, and Taif, as well as the central and northern regions. This occurs due to the air becoming saturated with water vapor when minimum temperatures drop, leading to the condensation of low-lying clouds touching the ground.
These warnings are of paramount importance due to their direct impact on land navigation and road safety. Relevant authorities, including Civil Defense and Traffic Police, consistently urge citizens and residents to adhere to safety guidelines while driving in such conditions, such as using fog lights, maintaining a safe distance between vehicles, and avoiding excessive speed to ensure safe arrival.
