Education authorities in Makkah and Jeddah announced Wednesday evening that all schools and universities will be closed on Thursday, citing the weather condition in the cities. 

Sandstorms considerably reduced visibility in the Red Sea city of Jeddah on Wednesday a day after another storm layered the city with dust.

“In order to ensure the safety of students, the Director of Jeddah’s Education Ministry announced the suspension of classes on Thursday in all schools in Jeddah, Khulais and Rabigh,” announced the ministry on its official Twitter account.

A number of schools were closed on Wednesday in several regions across the Kingdom due to the adverse weather conditions.

Mohammad Al-Qahtani, a spokesman for the General Authority of Meteorology and Environmental Protection (PME), told Arab News the sandstorm will continue at least through Thursday and then gradually weaken.

Several other districts followed suit and suspended classes in Qurayat, Qonfudah, Al-Laith, Adham, and Robu Al-Ain.

Health authorities routinely advise on safety precautions when sandstorms hit major population centers.

It’s common for sandstorms to strike this time of year, proceeding warmer weather.

Source: Arab News