Dust Storms Sweep Across Parts of the Kingdom

The National Center of Meteorology has issued a weather report today, indicating that the effects of active winds stirring up dust and sand will persist, thereby reducing horizontal visibility in certain areas of the Eastern Province, Riyadh, Qassim, Ha’il, and the Northern Borders. Additionally, conditions are also expected to affect parts of Tabuk, Medina, and Mecca, particularly the coastal areas of these regions.
The forecast predicts partially cloudy skies in the southern highlands, with scattered thunderstorms likely over parts of Jazan, Asir, and Al-Bahah. These areas may experience rainfall alongside the instability caused by the existing winds.
According to the report, surface wind patterns over the Red Sea will predominantly flow from the north to northwest at speeds between 25 to 45 km/h in the northern and central sectors, potentially increasing to 50 km/h in certain middle regions. In contrast, the southern part of the sea will witness winds shifting from the south-west to the northwest, moving at a rate of 15 to 40 km/h.
As for wave heights, they are anticipated to vary; the northern and central sections may experience waves ranging from one to two meters, with peaks reaching 2.5 meters in the central area, while southern sections will see waves between 0.5 to 1.5 meters. The overall sea conditions are described as moderate in the northern and central areas, becoming rough in places while remaining light to moderate in the southern stretch.
In the Arabian Gulf, the report mentions the surface winds shifting from southeast to northeast, becoming north to northwest in the evening, with speeds ranging from 12 to 36 km/h across northern and central areas. In the southern part, winds will shift from southeast to southwest in the day and then transition to westerly and northwesterly by night, moving at speeds of 10 to 30 km/h. Wave heights in this region will measure between 0.5 to 1.5 meters in the northern and central parts, while the southern section will see wave heights ranging from 0.5 to 1 meter. The sea’s condition is forecasted to be light to moderately wavy in the northern and central areas and generally calm in the southern area.
Overall, the weather report highlights a challenging mix of windy conditions and visibility issues, particularly in the eastern regions and parts of the central areas. Residents are advised to stay informed about these conditions and take necessary precautions while traveling or engaging in outdoor activities. The presence of thunderstorms and potential rainfall in the southern highlands brings an additional element of unpredictability that warrants attention.
The weather predictions reflect typical conditions for this time of year, although the intensifying winds and dust storms emphasize the need for vigilance among citizens. The report underscores the importance of adapting to these weather variations, keeping safety as a priority, especially given the adverse effects on visibility and respiratory health that dust storms can provoke.
In conclusion, those residing in the affected regions should remain alert to ongoing updates from meteorological authorities and take steps to mitigate the impact of the weather on their daily activities. With the forecast portraying a mixed bag of conditions, comprehensive safety measures and preparedness are essential to navigate these weather challenges effectively.