The National Center for Meteorology in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia revealed details of the expected weather conditions for Thursday, the second day of the holy month of Ramadan, as the Kingdom's atmosphere is witnessing various weather fluctuations affecting several regions, which calls for the attention of those fasting and highway users.

Fog and surface wind forecast

The center explained in its daily report that conditions are favorable for dense fog during the night and early morning hours along the coastal areas of the Makkah and Eastern Provinces. This weather phenomenon is one of the features that can affect horizontal visibility, especially on highways connecting coastal cities.

In a related context, the report indicated a noticeable increase in surface wind activity, stirring up dust and sand, which is expected to reduce horizontal visibility in parts of Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders, Hail, and Al-Qassim regions, as well as the eastern parts of the Madinah region. This weather pattern is part of the usual fluctuations during the transitional periods between seasons.

Red Sea conditions and wave movement

Regarding the marine conditions, the National Center for Meteorology indicated that the surface wind movement on the Red Sea will be northwesterly to northerly on the northern and central parts, with speeds ranging between 25 to 45 km/h, and may sometimes reach 55 km/h towards the Gulf of Aqaba, which may lead to high waves and sea disturbance.

As for the southern part of the Red Sea, the winds will be southeasterly to southwesterly at a speed ranging from 12 to 35 km/h, reaching speeds of up to 45 km/h towards the Bab al-Mandab Strait, which requires caution for fishermen and seafarers in those areas.

The importance of monitoring the weather during Ramadan

Following weather forecasts becomes even more important during the holy month of Ramadan, given the direct impact of weather conditions on those fasting and on travel. In the Makkah region, which witnesses a large influx of pilgrims and visitors during this blessed month, stable weather is vital to ensuring smooth traffic flow and the safety of pilgrims, especially with the forecast of fog along the coasts that could affect the Jeddah-Makkah Expressway.

Dust-raising winds in the northern and central regions also require drivers to be cautious, especially during travel between cities to break their fast with families or to perform Umrah rituals, as traffic safety is a top priority in light of the potential decrease in visibility.

The relevant authorities always call on citizens and residents to follow the continuous updates on the weather through official channels, and to adhere to public safety instructions while driving in foggy or dusty conditions to ensure everyone’s safety during the holy month.

In moments of profound grief that enveloped the Saudi media community, the body of the late journalist Abdullah Al-Qubai' arrived in the Kingdom this morning from London, following his sudden death on February 15th. Media professionals, intellectuals, and admirers of the deceased are preparing to accompany his body to its final resting place in Al-Faisaliyah Cemetery in Jeddah after the noon prayer on Thursday, in a scene that encapsulates a rich professional and personal legacy.

As the body arrived, renowned novelist Abdo Khal, a close friend of the deceased, revealed poignant details surrounding Al-Qubai's final days, shedding light on a hidden aspect of his health struggles. A recent private conversation between them revealed that Al-Qubai had suffered a severe pulmonary embolism, which caused him to fall into a coma that lasted several days. Although he showed temporary signs of recovery, fate intervened, and he departed this world, leaving behind a fragrant legacy and a positive impact.

In a detail that reflects his noble character and selflessness, Abdo Khal noted that Al-Qubai’ deliberately concealed his illness and deteriorating health from everyone, including his children and siblings, informing only a very small circle of acquaintances. This behavior stemmed from his deep desire to avoid causing worry or sadness to his loved ones, which explains the shock with which the media received the news of his death, as the majority were unaware of the critical stage he was going through.

The death of Al-Qubai' holds particular significance in the local media landscape, not only because he was a journalist who worked quietly and diligently for years, but also because his passing serves as a reminder of the values ​​of loyalty and camaraderie that bind members of the same profession. His relationship with the novelist Abdo Khal exemplifies a deep friendship that transcends professional boundaries, reaching into strong human connections, as their communication remained constant until their final moments.

A large gathering of the deceased's colleagues and friends is expected at Al-Faisaliyah Cemetery in Jeddah on Thursday afternoon, as they come to offer their condolences, recalling his virtues and his calm demeanor that always instilled a sense of peace in those around him. Abdullah Al-Qubai's passing while abroad and his return carried on the shoulders of love represent a sad chapter, but one that immortalizes the memory of a humane journalist who chose to suffer in silence so that those around him could remain at peace.