JEDDAH: Early warning systems have forecast moderate to heavy thunderstormsin Makkah, accompanied by cool showers and active winds that limithorizontal visibility, Arab News has reported.The Saudi General Authority for Meteorology and Environmental Protectionreleased the code red warnings and live alert updates on its officialTwitter account.Radar images show rain clouds with expected showers in eastern Jeddah,which is also expected to be affected by rising dust, according to astatement released by the meteorological authority.
Another code red warning was issued forecasting sandstorms across Jeddah,obscuring visibility to a minimum.Meanwhile, Jeddah Health Authority has raised the level of preparedness inall its hospitals and health facilities, and has completed all preparationsfor the sandstorm that has already started sweeping the city.
The local health authority confirmed that all emergency departments inJeddah’s hospitals were ready to receive any cases resulting fromthe current dust storm.The hospitals have been alerted to receive and provide necessary medicationfor such cases, where the number of patients with respiratory diseases isincreasing.Jeddah Health advised citizens and residents with chest diseases andallergies not to go out in these conditions unless necessary, as the dustyatmosphere usually causes irritation of the bronchial airways. It alsowarned drivers and motorists to drive slow due to low horizontal visibilityand urged the need to exercise caution while driving to prevent trafficaccidents.The statement urges the public to take full care and caution and abide bythe provisions of the civil defense.It also called on people, particularly worshippers visiting the Kingdom forMuslim pilgrimage, to remain vigilant over the risks of weatherfluctuations in the region.The weather conditions will be updated regularly via the authority’sofficial website and social media pages.