A thick layer of dust covered the Kingdom’s capital yesterday reducing visibility for most part of the day, especially toward the evening, and creating traffic snarls on busy roads.

The Presidency of Meteorology and Environment (PME) had forecasted a dust storm reducing visibility in Riyadh.

Beginning in the early afternoon, the heavy blanket of dust enveloped the area forcing daily commuters to be cautious while driving.

The maximum temperature was recorded high at 45 degrees Celsius, whereas the minimum temperature was normal for this time of the year at 28 degrees Celsius.

Relative humidity was pegged low at 11 percent, according to the local Met office.

The PME said a 35-40 km per hour dusty wind whipped through parts of the city in the afternoon.

However, the storm also brought down the mercury level toward the evening to below 40 degrees.