A dust storm took over parts of Jeddah on Monday, reducing visibility throughout most of the day and increasing traffic on already congested streets.

The unexpected weather, which began early afternoon, hampered the city’s streets and the Makkah-Madinah highway.

Many motorists were forced to discontinue driving due to poor visibility, particularly on coastal roads. As a result, traffic police were on alert to help motorists, particularly vehicles carrying female teachers. Parents could be seen eagerly awaiting their children outside of schools.

Schools and businesses operated normally, although motorists followed cautious routes while commuting to work.

Temperatures remained normal, at a minimum of 22 degrees and a maximum of 31 degree Celsius.

Humidity was gauged at 85 percent, according to the Presidency of Metrology and Environment. The PME forecasted that winds would continue throughout Monday in parts of the Western region and are expected to die down today.

“Southern winds will continue to be active, provoking sandstorms and reducing visibility in parts of the Western region, especially Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah. However, the dust storm that hit Jeddah yesterday has had no impact on the aviation industry,” Hussain Al-Qahatani, spokesman for the Presidency of Meteorology and Environment, told Arab News.