Weather warnings: Dust in Tabuk and rain in Al-Baha today

The National Center for Meteorology issued important weather alerts today regarding the weather conditions in the Tabuk and Al-Baha regions, indicating weather fluctuations ranging from dust storms to thunderstorms, which calls for caution and vigilance on the part of citizens, residents and highway users.

Weather details in the Tabuk region

The National Center for Meteorology explained in its daily report that the Tabuk region is experiencing active surface winds that are stirring up dust and sand. This includes the city of Tabuk and the Tayma governorate, where these weather conditions are expected to cause near-zero horizontal visibility, ranging between only 1 and 3 kilometers. The center indicated that this weather condition will continue, God willing, until 6:00 PM today, requiring extra caution while driving in open areas.

Thunderstorms and strong winds in the Al-Baha region

In a related development, the meteorological department warned of scattered rainfall in the Al-Baha region, accompanied by active winds and a significant decrease in horizontal visibility, in addition to the possibility of thunderstorms. The report indicated that the affected areas include Al-Baha city, Baljurashi, Al-Qura, Bani Hassan, Al-Mandaq, and surrounding areas. This rainy weather is expected to continue until 8:00 PM this evening.

The geographical and climatic context of the affected areas

These warnings come amidst the great climatic and geographical diversity of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Tabuk region in the northwest is characterized by its open desert landscape in some areas, making it susceptible to active winds that stir up dust and reduce visibility, especially during the transitional periods between seasons. In contrast, the Al-Baha region, situated on the Sarawat Mountains, is characterized by its mountainous climate, which attracts cumulonimbus clouds, making it prone to thunderstorms and dense fog that blankets the highlands. This is a common climatic pattern that contributes to the region's agricultural fertility but requires caution on the roads.

The importance of early warning and safety guidelines

The warnings issued by the National Center for Meteorology are of paramount importance in protecting lives and property, as the center relies on the latest monitoring technologies and satellites to provide accurate and up-to-date information. This information is vital for security and service agencies, as well as for travelers on the land routes connecting the Kingdom's far-flung regions.

In such conditions, experts and relevant authorities advise following public safety guidelines, which include:

• Avoid high speeds on roads when visibility is low due to dust or rain.
• Stay away from flood channels and valleys in areas that experience rainfall, such as Al-Baha.
• Checking the condition of the windshield wipers and the front and rear lights of the vehicles.
• Regularly follow official weather forecasts to update your travel and transportation plans.