The National Center for Meteorology in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia issued its daily report on the expected weather conditions for today (Wednesday), as forecasts indicate continued weather fluctuations in several regions, which calls for caution and vigilance by citizens, residents and highway users.

Details of the rain and fog situation

The center forecasts moderate to heavy thunderstorms, accompanied by hail and strong winds, across parts of the southwestern and western highlands of the Kingdom. This weather pattern includes the regions of Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir, and Jazan . These storms are a result of the influx of tropical moisture and the interaction of air currents, which increases the likelihood of cumulonimbus cloud formation and rainfall.

In a related development, the meteorological department warned of a high probability of dense fog forming during the night and early morning hours, which could reduce horizontal visibility. The fog is expected to affect parts of the aforementioned highlands, as well as parts of northern Saudi Arabia, requiring cautious driving on highways.

Wind activity and dust storms

On another note, forecasts indicate active surface winds stirring up dust and sand, which may reduce horizontal visibility in open areas. These winds will affect large parts of the Northern Borders, Al-Jawf, Eastern Province, Riyadh, and Madinah regions , extending to the southern parts of the Tabuk .

Geographical and climatic context

The southwestern regions of the Kingdom, such as Asir, Al-Baha, Jazan, and the highlands of Makkah, possess a mountainous geography (the Sarawat Mountains) that makes them susceptible to receiving larger amounts of rainfall compared to other regions of the Kingdom, especially during periods of seasonal weather fluctuations. This topography plays a crucial role in lifting and condensing moist air, leading to thunderstorms and hail.

The importance of warnings and safety measures

These forecasts are of paramount importance for the safety of lives and property, as thunderstorms are often accompanied by flash floods in valleys and wadis. Authorities consistently urge people to stay away from floodplains and wadi beds in such conditions, and to exercise caution while driving in fog or heavy dust that reduces visibility, in order to ensure everyone's safety and minimize traffic accidents that may result from adverse weather conditions.

As part of its intensive efforts to regulate the transport and logistics sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Public Transport Authority the results of its field inspection campaigns for the month of January, which resulted in the detection of 90,000 various violations, after carrying out more than 437,000 accurate inspection operations that included land, sea and rail transport activities in various regions of the Kingdom.

Details of monitoring campaigns and compliance indicators

Official statistics released by the authority revealed that the land transport sector accounted for the largest share of inspections, with 430,000 inspections carried out, achieving a compliance rate of 93%. In contrast, the maritime transport sector saw 7,574 inspections conducted with a high compliance rate of 99%, while rail transport achieved a perfect 100% compliance rate across 95 inspection rounds, reflecting a strong commitment to safety standards in this vital sector.

Geographical distribution of violations and the most prominent transgressions

The data revealed that the Makkah region topped the list of regions with the highest number of recorded violations, at 30,000, followed by the Riyadh region with 24,000 violations, and then the Eastern Province with 11,000 violations. Madinah came in fourth place with 6,000 violations, and Asir with 4,000 violations. The violations observed varied, with the most prominent being:

• Failure to meet the necessary safety requirements for vehicles.
• Engaging in transportation activities without obtaining the necessary licenses.
• Using private vehicles for transportation (buses) in an irregular manner.
• Working with cancelled or expired operating cards.

The inspection teams dealt firmly with these violations, as 1,045 vehicles that did not comply with the technical requirements and applicable regulations were impounded.

Context of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy

These intensive campaigns are an integral part of the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy , stemming from the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to solidify the Kingdom's position as a global logistics hub. Through these campaigns, the Public Transport Authority works to ensure a safe and reliable transport environment and enhance operational efficiency to guarantee the safety of lives and property.

The importance of oversight and its impact on the sector

These regulatory efforts are of paramount importance on both economic and social levels. They contribute to fostering fair competition among licensed establishments and protect legitimate investors from unfair competition resulting from unregulated transportation. Furthermore, increased compliance rates positively impact the quality of services provided to beneficiaries and reduce traffic accidents caused by a lack of safety measures, thus enhancing the overall quality of life in Saudi cities.