ShareKUWAIT: A powerful dust storm swept into Kuwait from the west on Monday, reducing visibility across the country and prompting health and safety warnings from authorities. The meteorological department confirmed that the dust storm sweeping across the country on Monday covered all areas and will continue through the night.
The ministry of education announced that classes will be held remotely on Tuesday across all schools due to the ongoing dust storm, prioritizing student safety while maintaining the learning process. Teaching and administrative staff are required to report to school in person, while lessons will be held via the Teams platform.
Acting Meteorological Department Director Dherar Al-Ali told KUNA that horizontal visibility ranged from 1,000 m to less than 100 m and was completely absent in some areas. He explained northwesterly winds reached speeds of over 60 km/h, with the department’s automated monitoring stations — operated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation — recording gusts exceeding 80 km/h, driving waves over six feet high and pushing dust across the country. Al-Ali noted that weather conditions are expected to gradually improve starting Tuesday morning, and urged the public to stay updated through the department’s official website, mobile app and social media accounts.
The ministry of interior urged everyone to exercise caution and adhere to safety guidelines. In a press statement, it emphasized the importance of following instructions and avoiding going outdoors unless absolutely necessary. Citizens, residents and seagoers were urged not to hesitate to contact the emergency hotline (112) in case of any urgent situation.
The ministry also called on motorists to avoid using hazard lights except for signaling danger, to follow weather alerts, maintain safe distances while driving and reduce speed when visibility drops. Drivers were also reminded not to use mobile phones while driving, to keep windows closed, use air recirculation mode, avoid driving near sand accumulations, and switch to alternative routes when visibility is severely reduced.
The ministry of health affirmed the importance of adhering to health and precautionary guidelines and avoiding leaving home except in necessary cases. It stressed the need to wear masks in open spaces, particularly for highly affected groups such as asthma patients, allergy sufferers and people with weakened immune systems. The ministry also urged individuals with allergies and chronic respiratory diseases to regularly take their prescribed preventive medications, closely monitor their health and not hesitate to visit the nearest health center or hospital if respiratory symptoms worsen or if assistance is needed.
The meteorological department earlier issued a weather warning forecasting a sharp shift in conditions due to the passage of a cold front. Temperatures reached highs of 38°C Monday, but are expected to drop overnight, with lows around 20°C and highs of 31°C forecast for Tuesday. Drivers were urged to take extreme caution on highways due to poor visibility, and seagoers were warned to avoid venturing out amid high wave activity. — Agencies
The meteorological department said the dust storm will gradually subside overnight, with improved weather expected by Tuesday morning. The public is encouraged to follow official channels — including the department’s website, mobile app, and social media — for the latest weather updates. – Agencies
