RIYADH: A sandstorm hit Riyadh and its outskirts on Thursday, enveloping the skyline in dust clouds and hampering visibility, while moderate to heavy rains were forecast for several regions of the Kingdom.
The road safety authority and Saudi Highway Security warned motorists to exercise caution due to poor visibility caused by the dust storm.
The General Directorate of Civil Defense advised residents to avoid going to sandy locations to avoid accidents during the sandstorm, and also called for caution and for people to follow instructions issued as a result of weather conditions in parts of the Kingdom.
Widespread dust storms were also predicted in several parts of the Kingdom.
The forecast by the National Center for Meteorology on Thursday said dust-stirring winds will blow and moderate to heavy rain and hail may fall in parts of Al-Baha, Makkah, Madinah, Hail, Qassim, Riyadh, Al-Jouf, as well as the Eastern and Northern Borders regions.
Rain and snow may also fall in parts of Jazan, Aseer and Tabuk regions, it said.
Winds over the Red Sea will be northwesterly to northerly at speeds of 15-50 kph in the northern and central parts, and southwesterly to southeasterly at speeds of 20-42 kph in the south.
Waves may range from half a meter to more than two meters, and the Red Sea will be calm to choppy, according to the forecast by the NCM.
Winds in the Arabian Gulf will be easterly to northeasterly, reaching 20-50 kph. Waves may range from a meter to more than two meters, and the sea will be relatively calm to choppy.
