According to an official from the Meteorological and Environmental Protection Administration (MEPA), the chance of heavy rains supported with thunder will be experienced over the southwest parts of the Kingdom, including Asir and the Abha highlands. Thick clouds will also appear southwest of Riyadh extending to Hafr Al-Baten.

MEPA also predicted hazy weather would continue over the eastern and central parts of the Kingdom and would pervade into the country’s interior, reducing visibility, especially over highways and open areas. Fresh winds will flow over the northwest and coastal areas. The wind in the Red Sea would blow in a north-westerly direction at a speed of 15 to 45 km per hour.

An official from the Riyadh Traffic Department told Arab News that patrol cars would be detailed on all highways and accident-prone roads to avoid incidents of traffic violations.

“Such arrangements will slow down traffic and ensure the smooth flow of vehicles in case of problems in visibility,” he said, advising motorists and other users to be extra careful when there is bad weather.

A severe sandstorm lashed the capital on March 19. According to the official, there were no road accidents because of the Riyadh traffic police’s timely action.