Dust from Iraq has been blanketing western Saudi Arabia for 48 hours, and satellite images reveal the details.

Arab Weather - The latest satellite images show that the eastern slopes of the western and southwestern parts of the Kingdom continue to be affected by dust storms. The dust storms formed over 48 hours ago in the skies over southern Iraq, then gradually moved toward Saudi Arabia, passing through Hafar Al-Batin. They swept across central Saudi Arabia, including the capital, Riyadh, before settling in the skies over the western part of the Kingdom.

Dust has been hovering over the area for more than 48 hours.

What's striking about this case is the continued presence of dust in the upper atmosphere, despite the fact that more than 48 hours have passed since the dust storm began and its travels hundreds of kilometers toward the west of the Kingdom. This unusual stability of the dust cloud is attributed to the weakness of air currents in the upper layers of the atmosphere, which are a key factor in breaking up and dissipating dust particles in the atmosphere.

Low rainfall and dry soil

Arab Weather experts attributed the intense dust storms sweeping across the region from Iraq to the poor rainfall season and the drought that affected the soil, causing it to break down and be easily blown away by the winds. This reduced visibility and deteriorated air quality, particularly in mountainous and populated areas.

Recommendations are ongoing.

Relevant authorities, including the National Center of Meteorology and Civil Defense, continue to issue alerts to residents in affected areas, warning of the risks of direct exposure to dust, particularly for those with respiratory conditions and the elderly, and urging them to limit outdoor activities until weather conditions improve.