Latest news with #Sarayat
Zawya
06-05-2025
- Climate
- Zawya
Strong winds, low visibility expected in Kuwait through Fri.
KUWAIT: Kuwait is expected to be hit by strong northwesterly winds starting Monday evening, with gusts exceeding 60 km/h, according to the Meteorology Department. Acting Director Dharar Al-Ali said the winds will reduce horizontal visibility in some areas and cause sea waves to rise above six feet. The blustery conditions are forecast to persist through Friday evening. "This period, known as the 'Sarayat', is marked by unstable and rapidly changing weather," Al-Ali said. On Sunday evening, winds reached over 70 km/h, with gusts topping 100 km/h in northern regions. Visibility in some areas dropped to less than 1,000 meters-and even to zero in places-he added. Increased low and mid-level cloud cover, including intermittent cumulus clouds and scattered thunderstorms, was also reported. These conditions were attributed to an extension of a thermal low pressure system. Al-Ali urged motorists to exercise caution on highways and advised seafarers to remain alert to rising waves, encouraging the public to follow updates via the department's official website, mobile app, and social media channels. All KUNA right are reserved © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Gulf Insider
05-05-2025
- Climate
- Gulf Insider
Massive Dust Storm Hits Saudi Arabia, Kuwait And Jordan, Triggering Travel Chaos And Flash Floods
A powerful dust storm has blanketed large parts of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan, triggering travel disruptions, flash floods and emergency evacuations. Authorities in all three countries have issued red alerts and warned of further weather instability in the coming days. Saudi Arabia In central Saudi Arabia, residents of Al Qassim province witnessed a rare and dramatic phenomenon described as a 'wall of dust' that swept through the region on Sunday, reducing visibility to near zero and prompting widespread safety warnings. Videos shared on social media showed the sky turning orange as the storm surged forward like a towering wave, blocking out sunlight. Meteorologist Abdullah Al Misnad, a former professor at Qassim University, attributed the event to powerful downdrafts from cumulonimbus clouds — scientifically classified as gravity-driven haboobs — which generate intense, fast-moving dust walls. These walls, he noted, can reach heights of up to 2,000 meters and wind speeds of 100 km/h, posing major hazards to both air and land transportation. The National Center for Meteorology issued red alerts across five regions, including Riyadh and the Eastern Province, warning of continued dust storms, heavy rainfall, hail, and potential flooding. Authorities urged residents to remain indoors, avoid open areas, and limit travel, especially on highways and exposed roads. Kuwait Kuwait was battered by violent winds and thick dust clouds, leading aviation and maritime authorities to temporarily suspend operations. Wind gusts topping 100 km/h reduced visibility in some areas to zero. Two inbound flights from Egypt were diverted to Dammam, Saudi Arabia, while the Kuwait Ports Authority halted activity at Shuwaikh and Shuaiba ports to safeguard workers and infrastructure. Operations resumed Monday morning as weather conditions improved. Kuwait's acting Director of the Meteorological Department, Dharar Al Ali, warned that the country is currently in the 'Sarayat' period—a volatile seasonal transition known for rapid atmospheric shifts, thunderstorms, and heavy dust. Satellite data indicated intense regional activity, with scattered rain forecast through midweek. The Interior Ministry issued public safety alerts, urging drivers to reduce speed, maintain safe following distances, and pull over if visibility drops to zero. Jordan In Jordan, the storm system unleashed erratic and hazardous weather across several regions, with rain, thunderstorms, and dust severely reducing visibility and causing flash floods in low-lying areas. In Petra, one of Jordan's most visited tourist attractions, authorities evacuated hundreds of visitors on Sunday after flash floods inundated parts of the archaeological site. More than 1,700 tourists were present when Civil Defense teams implemented emergency protocols. Ticket sales were suspended at midday, and key landmarks — including Al Khazneh, the Siq, and the Monastery—were cleared as water levels rose rapidly. Tragically, the flooding claimed the lives of a Belgian woman and her son, who were part of an adventure tour in Wadi Al Nakhil near Ma'an. Two of her children survived. Jordan's Public Security Directorate said search and rescue teams are continuing efforts to locate missing persons, with additional incidents reported in Tafileh and Al Hasa involving stranded tourists and livestock herders. 'We evacuated most of the tourists without injuries,' said Yazan Mahadin, Commissioner of Petra Archaeological Park. 'Safety is our top priority.'
Arab Times
03-05-2025
- Climate
- Arab Times
Kuwait weather alert: Heavy winds, rain, and reduced visibility expected
KUWAIT CITY, May 3: Director of the Meteorology Department, Dharar Al-Ali, announced Saturday that Kuwait is expected to experience scattered rainfall, including possible thunderstorms in some areas, accompanied by strong winds that may reduce horizontal visibility to less than 1,000 meters. Speaking to KUNA, Al-Ali explained that current weather maps indicate the country remains under the influence of a surface depression, associated with a relatively warm and humid air mass. This system is leading to an increase in low- and mid-level clouds, with intermittent appearances of cumulus clouds, raising the likelihood of scattered showers and gusty winds. He added that the potential for thunderstorms, active winds, and reduced visibility due to dust is expected to persist intermittently through next Wednesday. This period, known locally as 'Sarayat,' is marked by rapid weather fluctuations and overall atmospheric instability. Al-Ali urged motorists to exercise caution, particularly on highways, due to low visibility. He also warned seafarers of potentially high waves, which may reach heights exceeding six feet. The Meteorology Department called on citizens and residents to stay informed by following official weather updates through its website, mobile application, and social media platforms.
Arab Times
28-04-2025
- Climate
- Arab Times
Kuwait Braces for Dust, Rain as Weather Shifts Begin
KUWAIT CITY, April 28: The Meteorology Department has forecast that the country will be affected from Monday evening by a low-pressure system, bringing hot and humid conditions. Light to moderate southeasterly winds are expected to shift to stronger northwesterly winds, reaching up to 50 km/h, leading to dust storms and reduced visibility, particularly over open areas. Acting Director Dharar Al-Ali noted that increased low and medium cloud cover could result in scattered, sometimes thundery, rain through Thursday. He urged the public to monitor official weather updates due to rapid changes during the "Sarayat" season.
Arab Times
21-04-2025
- Climate
- Arab Times
Dust Storm Reduces Visibility in Sabah Al-Ahmad City
The Director of the Meteorology Department, Dharar Al-Ali, has forecasted that Kuwait will experience scattered rain, which could be thundery at times, along with strong winds causing dust and reduced visibility, particularly in open areas. High sea waves are also expected. Al-Ali explained to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the country is currently in a transitional period, marked by rapid changes and unstable weather conditions known as the Sarayat period. This weather pattern is expected to persist intermittently until Tuesday morning.
