The National Center for Meteorology in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia revealed details of the expected weather conditions for this Saturday, as it issued its daily report which included important alerts for citizens and residents regarding weather fluctuations including thunderstorms, fog formation, and surface wind activity that stirs up dust and sand across a wide area of the Kingdom.
Weather details and affected areas
According to the National Center for Meteorology's report, the chance of thunderstorms and rain, accompanied by active surface winds, remains high. This weather pattern is particularly concentrated over the mountainous regions of Jazan, Asir, and Al-Baha, extending to the highlands of the Makkah region. These rains will be accompanied by reduced horizontal visibility due to dense fog in these areas, necessitating caution while driving on mountain roads and slopes.
Active winds and dust
In a related context, the report indicated the continued impact of active winds stirring up dust and sand, thus reducing horizontal visibility. This impact includes the eastern parts of the aforementioned regions (the highlands), as well as extending to large parts of Najran, Riyadh, Qassim, and the Eastern Province, reaching as far as the Northern Borders and Al-Jawf. This weather condition requires motorists traveling on highways in open areas to be aware of fluctuating visibility.
Climatic and geographical diversity in the Kingdom
These weather fluctuations are part of the diverse climate of Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom's vast area and varied topography create multiple weather patterns simultaneously. While the southern and western highlands experience rainfall and fog due to their mountainous terrain and exposure to humid air currents, the central, eastern, and northern regions experience surface wind activity due to their open desert landscape. The National Center of Meteorology and Environmental Protection regularly monitors these changes using the latest technologies to ensure the safety of lives and property.
The importance and impact of warnings
These reports are of paramount importance locally, as relevant authorities such as Civil Defense and Traffic Police rely on them to issue necessary guidelines and warnings. Dust storms directly impact public health, especially for those with respiratory conditions, and also affect land navigation. Therefore, it is always advisable to stay updated on weather conditions and adhere to the instructions of the relevant authorities during periods of unstable weather.
State of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
Regarding the maritime situation, the report provided the following details:
Red Sea
- Surface winds: They will be northwesterly to northeasterly over the northern and central parts at a speed of 15-30 km/h, and will turn southerly and southwesterly over the southern part at a speed of 12-32 km/h, and may reach a speed of 50 km/h with the formation of thunderclouds.
- Wave height: It ranges between half a meter and one and a half meters, and may reach two meters in the southern part with thunderstorms.
- Sea state: Light to moderate waves, becoming rough in the southern part.
Arabian Gulf
- Surface winds: Northwesterly to northerly at speeds ranging from 15-38 km/h.
- Wave height: from half a meter to one and a half meters.
- Sea state: Light to moderate waves.
