Today's weather: Rain, fog, and warnings from the Saudi Meteorological Authority
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued weather for Monday, indicating unstable weather conditions across several regions of the Kingdom. According to the report, skies will be partly to mostly cloudy, creating a chance of light and scattered rain, primarily concentrated over parts of the southwestern highlands, areas typically characterized by their mountainous terrain, which facilitates the formation of cumulonimbus clouds.
Warnings of fog and reduced visibility
In a related context, the center warned drivers and highway users of the continued formation of dense fog, which is expected to significantly affect parts of Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and the Northern Borders region. This weather phenomenon negatively impacts horizontal visibility, necessitating caution while driving during the early morning and late night hours to ensure everyone's safety.
Geographical and climatic context
These forecasts are part of the transitional climate pattern currently affecting the Kingdom, where the southwestern highlands (such as Asir, Jazan, and Al-Baha) are influenced by humid air currents that contribute to rainfall even during periods when other regions are dry. This climatic diversity reflects the Kingdom's wide geographical range, with varying weather patterns across coastal, desert, and mountainous areas.
Red Sea conditions and maritime traffic
Regarding the maritime conditions, the report detailed wind and wave patterns in the Red Sea. Surface winds are northeasterly to northerly at speeds ranging from 10 to 28 km/h in the northern and central parts. In the southern part, winds shift to southeasterly to easterly, increasing in speed to between 20 and 40 km/h, and potentially reaching 50 km/h towards the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Wind activity is reflected in wave height, which ranges from half a meter to one meter in the north and central regions, while in the south it rises from one to two meters, and may exceed two meters towards the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, making sea conditions rough in that area. This warning is important for fishermen and commercial vessels transiting the strategic strait.
Arabian Gulf situation
On the eastern side of the Kingdom, the Arabian Gulf is experiencing northeasterly to northwesterly surface winds with speeds ranging from 16 to 36 km/h. Wave heights are expected to be moderate, ranging from half a meter to one and a half meters, resulting in calm to moderate sea conditions, which are relatively favorable for normal maritime activities.
