RIYADH: Sandstorms shrouded a number of Saudi Arabian cities in a blanket of dust on Thursday, including Riyadh, while rain and thunderstorms are expected on Friday in central, eastern and southern parts of the Kingdom.
The General Authority for Meteorology and Environmental Protection said in a statement that “a cold wave in major parts of the Kingdom accompanied by high-speed winds causing dust storms limiting horizontal visibility” is expected on Friday.
“Moreover, rainy thunder clouds are expected to be accompanied by active winds on the southern parts of the Riyadh and the Eastern regions, as well as in the highlands of Al-Baha, Asir, Jazan and Najran,” it added.
As per the forecast, a thick blanket of sand swept through major parts of the Kingdom on Thursday, including Riyadh, Tabuk, Yanbu, Madinah, and coastal areas. The maximum temperature recorded during the storm was 31 degrees Celsius, and the minimum temperature was 15 degrees. The relative humidity was pegged at 17 percent.
In Riyadh, where a wind speed of 25 km per hour was recorded, the storm was expected to last for at least eight hours, from noon until 8 p.m.
The road safety authority and Saudi Highway Security cautioned motorists to drive slow and carefully in the affected regions, as the storms would reduce visibility considerably on most roads.
The General Directorate of Civil Defense also advised people to avoid visiting open, sandy areas during the storms. People with respiratory issues were advised to avoid going outside at all, if possible, as the weather could exacerbate their conditions.
Sandstorms hit Saudi Arabia; rain expected on Friday
Sandstorms hit Saudi Arabia; rain expected on Friday
- Sandstorms also enveloped Tabuk, Yanbu, Madinah, and coastal areas
- Motorists advised to drive slow and carefully in the affected regions
Saudi Scouts Association unveils environmental protection program
- Public service and education program to encourage responsible behavior among young people, says SASA leader
RIYADH: The Saudi Arabian Scouts Association has launched a new environmental protection program at King Salman Wildlife Park in Banban, north of Riyadh, marking a renewed commitment to conservation and youth engagement in sustainability efforts.
The SASA initiative, unveiled in the presence of role players from various scouting sectors, brought together partners from government agencies and private-sector organizations, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
The program reflects growing collaboration between civic groups and national institutions to advance environmental protection goals across the Kingdom.
Abdulrahman Al-Mudaris, the SASA’s secretary-general, said the initiative underscores the scouts’ active role in supporting national strategies to preserve natural resources and promote sustainable development.
He said environmental scouting was a public service activity and educational approach designed to instill environmental awareness and encourage responsible behavior among young people.
The launch event featured the sowing of seeds and planting of seedlings throughout the park to support vegetation growth and enhance biodiversity, the SPA reported.
Founded in 1961, the SASA is a member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement and operates under the umbrella of the Ministry of Education.
Over the decades, Saudi scouts have played a visible role in community service, disaster response, and public event organization, including supporting pilgrim services during Hajj and Umrah seasons.
