Saudi Arabia braces for week-long dust storms, NCM issues visibility warning

Dubai: Dust storms are forecast to persist across wide swaths of Saudi Arabia throughout the week, the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has announced, urging residents to take precautions as strong winds and reduced visibility disrupt daily life in multiple regions.

In its weather bulletin, the NCM said active winds carrying dust are forecast to continue affecting the Eastern Province, as well as the eastern parts of Mecca, Medina and Asir.

Najran region and the coastal highway stretching from Jeddah to Jazan are also expected to experience dusty conditions.

The capital, Riyadh, and several surrounding governorates, including Diriyah, Al Kharj, Al Hariq, Al Dalam, Al Muzahmiyya, and Hawtah Bani Tamim, will be affected by dust storms from 5am to 5pm, according to the centre.

Further west, the governorates of Al Dawadmi, Al Rayn, Al Quwayiyah, and Afif are forecast to see dust activity intensify between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

The Riyadh region’s southern areas, including Al Sulayyil and Wadi Al Dawasir, are also on alert, with dusty conditions predicted from 1am to 5pm, and Al Aflaj from 3am to 5pm.

Horizontal visibility in the affected regions is expected to drop to between three and five kilometres, the NCM said, potentially disrupting traffic and air quality.

The NCM also noted that the impact of the active winds may extend to parts of the Northern Borders, Al Jouf, Hail, Al Qassim and additional areas of Riyadh, as unstable weather patterns persist.

Saudi authorities have urged citizens and residents, especially those with respiratory conditions, to avoid unnecessary outdoor activity and monitor official weather alerts.

-- Huda Ata is an independent writer based in the UAE