The National Center of Meteorology began its daily report with notable warnings regarding the expected weather conditions for Friday, confirming that several areas will be affected by active winds raising dust and sand, coinciding with the formation of fog over parts of other regions. This varied weather scene reflects noticeable changes in weather elements between the north, south, and east, requiring residents, drivers, and marine navigation crews to exercise caution in the coming hours.

Dusty Wind Warnings Strike the North

The report predicted that active winds raising dust and sand will affect parts of the Tabuk, Al-Jawf, and Northern Border regions, where surface winds will be active with notable speeds that may limit horizontal visibility in some open areas. This air activity comes at a time when the north is experiencing relatively stable temperatures; however, suspended dust may pose a challenge to traffic, especially on highways and exposed desert areas.

Fog Envelops the South and East in the Morning Hours

Conversely, the report indicated the possibility of fog formation over parts of the Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, and Makkah Al-Mukarramah regions, in addition to parts of the Eastern Province. Fog is expected to appear during the late night and early morning hours, which may lead to reduced horizontal visibility in some coastal and low-lying areas, requiring extra attention from drivers, particularly on highways and roads near the coasts.

The Red Sea Between Relative Calm and Accelerating Winds

The center clarified that surface wind movement over the Red Sea will be northwesterly to northerly over the northern and central parts at speeds ranging between 10 and 25 km/h, then shifting in the afternoon to southeasterly to easterly over the northern part at speeds of 15 to 30 km/h. Meanwhile, over the southern part, winds will be southeasterly to southerly at speeds of 15 to 35 km/h, reaching up to 50 km/h towards the Bab-el-Mandeb strait. Wave height will reach over two meters in the southern part, while sea conditions will range from slight to moderate waves and may become rough, directly impacting navigation and fishing activities.

The Arabian Gulf and Moderate Easterly Winds

As for the Arabian Gulf, winds will be southeasterly to easterly at speeds of 15 to 35 km/h, with wave heights ranging from half a meter to one and a half meters, and sea conditions from slight to moderate waves. This indicates relatively stable maritime conditions compared to some parts of the Red Sea; however, the continued wind activity necessitates following weather updates, especially for maritime activities.

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Tabuk

Tabuk is a historic city in northwestern Saudi Arabia, known today as a major urban center and gateway to the region’s developing tourism and agricultural projects. Its history is deeply tied to ancient trade routes and Islamic heritage, most notably as the site where, according to Islamic tradition, the Prophet Muhammad and his companions camped during the Expedition of Tabuk in 630 CE. The area also features the historic Tabuk Castle, an Ottoman-era fortification believed to have been built on the foundations of an older structure.

Al-Jawf

Al-Jawf is a historical region in northwestern Saudi Arabia, known for its ancient oasis settlements and archaeological significance. It was a key part of the early Nabatean and Dedanite kingdoms, with sites like the ancient city of Dumat al-Jandal featuring ruins dating back millennia. Today, it remains an important cultural area, preserving pre-Islamic heritage and traditional Najdi architecture.

Northern Border regions

The Northern Border regions of Thailand, encompassing provinces like Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, are historically significant as the heart of the ancient Lanna Kingdom and a crucial crossroads for trade and culture along the old Silk Road routes. Today, these mountainous areas are renowned for their diverse ethnic hill tribes, lush landscapes, and distinctive cultural heritage, which blends Thai, Burmese, Lao, and Chinese influences.

Jazan

Jazan is a coastal city and region in southwestern Saudi Arabia, historically significant as a major port and trade hub on the Red Sea. Its history is deeply tied to ancient trade routes and regional kingdoms, and it is known today for its fertile agricultural lands, particularly mango production, and its unique traditional architecture. The area is also the site of the Farasan Islands, a protected archipelago with important coral reefs and historical Ottoman-era buildings.

Asir

Asir is a mountainous region in southwestern Saudi Arabia known for its lush green highlands, terraced farms, and unique cultural heritage. Historically, it was a relatively isolated area with strong tribal traditions and was once part of the ancient trade routes of the Arabian Peninsula. Today, it is celebrated for its distinctive architecture, such as painted mud-brick houses, and its vibrant traditional festivals like the Asir Summer Festival.

Al-Baha

Al-Baha is a scenic mountainous region in southwestern Saudi Arabia, historically known as the “Garden of the Hejaz” for its lush greenery and moderate climate. Its history is deeply tied to ancient tribal settlements and trade routes, with archaeological sites revealing pre-Islamic and early Islamic civilizations. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, celebrated for its traditional stone architecture, dense forests, and terraced farms.

Makkah Al-Mukarramah

Makkah Al-Mukarramah, often called Mecca, is the holiest city in Islam, located in present-day Saudi Arabia. It is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the site of the Kaaba, the most sacred shrine in Islam, which Muslims believe was originally built by the Prophet Abraham and his son Ishmael. Every year, millions of Muslims perform the Hajj pilgrimage to the city, a religious duty that has been central to Islamic faith and history for over fourteen centuries.

Eastern Province

The Eastern Province is a key administrative region of Saudi Arabia, located along the Persian Gulf. It is historically significant as the heart of the kingdom’s oil industry, with the first commercial oil field discovered at Dammam in 1938, transforming the nation’s economy and global energy landscape. The province is also a cultural hub, home to a diverse population and heritage sites like the ancient Dilmun civilization remains on Tarout Island.