Jeddah and Five Provinces Under Dust Storm Warning Until 7 PM
Translated from Arabic, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- The National Center of Meteorology issued a warning for active, dust-stirring winds in several provinces including Jeddah, Rabigh, and Al-Lith, expected to last until 7:00 PM.
- The dust storms are causing reduced visibility on open areas and highways, posing a risk to travel.
- Similar warnings were issued for the Hail region, with wind speeds reaching up to 49 km/h, alongside forecasts of thunderclouds and dust in Mecca.
Residents across several key provinces in Saudi Arabia are being advised to exercise caution today as the National Center of Meteorology (NCM) has issued warnings for significant dust storms. The affected areas include Jeddah and its surrounding governorates – Rabigh, Bahra, Al-Kamil, Khulais, and Al-Lith. These active winds are not only stirring up considerable dust but are also expected to reduce visibility on open roads and highways, creating hazardous conditions for commuters and travelers.
The NCM has specified that this weather phenomenon is anticipated to persist until 7:00 PM this evening. This advisory is part of a broader weather alert system that aims to keep the public informed about potentially disruptive conditions. In addition to the dust storms, the NCM had previously forecast the possibility of thunderclouds accompanied by active winds and dust in the Mecca region, indicating a widespread weather system impacting western Saudi Arabia.
Further north, the Hail region is also under a warning for strong winds, with speeds potentially reaching between 40 and 49 kilometers per hour. These winds are also expected to decrease visibility in open areas and on major routes. The NCM's detailed reports, including temperature and humidity levels (currently around 39°C maximum and 29°C minimum with 40% humidity in Mecca), provide crucial information for residents to prepare accordingly.
Okaz, as a leading voice in Saudi media, emphasizes the importance of heeding these meteorological warnings. Our coverage aims to ensure that citizens and residents are well-informed and can take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety during these challenging weather conditions. The focus remains on providing timely and accurate information directly from official sources like the NCM to mitigate risks associated with reduced visibility and potential travel disruptions.
Originally published by Okaz in Arabic. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.