Strong, cold winds have been buffeting the Eastern Province since last Thursday evening, making it difficult for construction workers, fishermen, farmers, and other workers to do their job and for students to report to their schools. The temperature dipped to 6 degrees early yesterday morning. The dust laden wind will continue to blow across the Eastern Province for the next few days resulting in cold days and partly cloudy, hazy skies, according to the Meteorological Department, adding that the minimum temperature is expected to fall to 2 degrees. Some schools have suspended outdoor activities until the cold period is over. Farmers in Al-Hassa, Qatif and Arar are afraid the cold spell will destroy their vegetable crops as happened last year. Coast Guard officials have advised fishermen in the Qatif region to be very careful when they are at sea during these days of strong, cold winds. On Saturday, the Coast Guard helped two fishermen in Qatif who were struggling to anchor their boat in heavy winds. Airlines sources told the Saudi Gazette that the dusty, windy weather has not affected flight operations at the King Fahad International Airport.
