RIYADH: Drivers in Saudi Arabia were warned to take extra care on the roads after a sandstorm in Riyadh was followed by sporadic rain.
Sporadic rain brought some much-needed respite from the scorching heat in the Saudi capital on Monday.
The light drizzle that started on Sunday night kept the skies overcast and dragged the mercury down to just 27 degrees Celsius in most parts of the city, well below the 40-degree avearge for this time of year.
The chilliest temperature recorded on Monday was 22 degrees, which will have been welcomed by worshippers during the holy month of Ramadan.
While the showers brought some respite from the heat, the mercury is expected to rise as the week continues, to 32 degrees on Tuesday, 35 degrees on Wednesday, 33 degrees on Thursday and Friday, and 36 degrees on Saturday, according to the National Center for Meteorology.
It said earlier that thunderstorms were set to hit the Riyadh region, as well as Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, Makkah, Madinah, Hail, Al-Joaf and the Northern Borders, and parts of Qassim and the Eastern Region. The center warned that the cold weather and high winds could cause visibility problems.
The forecasters said that the surface wind movement along the Red Sea was southwest to northwest at a speed of 12-32 km/h in northern and central parts, and southeast to south at a speed of 24-25 km/h in southern parts. Wave heights doubled to two meters, which is classified as medium, they said.
The surface wind movement on the Arab Gulf was forecast to be northwest to north at a speed of 10-25 km/h, while wave heights doubled to one meter, which is classified as light.
Meanwhile, a sandstorm accompanied by high winds enveloped the Riyadh skyline on Sunday and led to the cancellation of a planned “Ramadan Neighborhood” event.
The Civil Defense Directorate has warned people to take extra care amid the inclement weather in the region, especially when driving on slippery roads.
