A vigorous dust storm cut across western Kuwait on Thursday, causing travel to grind to a halt and releasing sharp warnings by weather officials. At wind velocities above 60 km/h, the storm markedly diminished visibility across some areas, rendering conditions hostile to motorists and halting certain flights.
Kuwait’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) released air traffic advisories for disruptions, and the Ministry of Interior called on residents to stay away from unnecessary travel. Emergency responders were put on high alert, especially in areas close to the Saudi border where the storm hit hardest.
The weather office also issued warnings of ongoing instability in the next 24 hours, with gusts of dry air and airborne sand predicted to continue. Some districts suspended schools as a precaution, and health authorities instructed individuals with respiratory diseases to stay indoors and use protective masks.
Dust storms are a frequent occurrence in Kuwait, but this one has been one of the worst of the season. With changing climate patterns and desertification spreading, meteorologists warn that such extremes in weather could become more common, necessitating better preparedness and early warning mechanisms.
