Friday's weather in Saudi Arabia: Rain and dust storms expected in 10 regions

The National Center for Meteorology issued its daily report on weather conditions for this Friday in various parts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as the center warned of weather fluctuations including thunderstorms and active surface winds that stir up dust and sand, which may lead to a decrease in horizontal visibility over large parts including 10 administrative regions.

Rainfall and surface wind forecast

According to the weather report, there remains a chance of thunderstorms preceded or accompanied by active winds that reduce visibility. This weather pattern is particularly concentrated over the mountainous regions of Jazan, Asir, and Al-Baha , and extends to parts of the Makkah . These areas are the most susceptible to cumulonimbus cloud formations during this period.

In contrast, the interior and eastern regions are experiencing significant surface wind activity that is stirring up dust and sand, necessitating caution for highway users. This warning includes the eastern parts of the aforementioned highlands, as well as parts of the Riyadh, Madinah, Qassim, Hail, Al-Jawf, and Northern Borders regions . The report also indicated the possibility of light rain in the northernmost parts of the Kingdom.

The state of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf

Regarding the maritime situation, the center provided the following details:

• Red Sea: Surface winds will be northwesterly to northerly in the northern and central parts at speeds of 15-30 km/h, while in the southern part they will be southeasterly to easterly at speeds reaching 50 km/h with the formation of thunderstorms. Wave heights will range from half a meter to one and a half meters, and may exceed two meters in the south, resulting in a slight to moderate sea state, becoming rough in the south.
• Arabian Gulf: Northwesterly to northerly winds prevail at a speed of 15-38 km/h, with wave heights ranging between half a meter and one and a half meters, and the sea state is light to moderate.

Climate diversity and the importance of early warning

These reports are of paramount importance given the vast geographical diversity of Saudi Arabia, where weather phenomena vary between coastal areas, mountainous regions, and open desert regions. The National Center for Meteorology plays a vital role in monitoring these fluctuations using the latest technologies and radar systems, with the aim of providing accurate information that contributes to protecting lives and property.

The transitional periods between seasons, or periods of low pressure systems, are times that require careful monitoring of weather forecasts, as dust-raising winds directly affect land and air traffic, and thunderstorms and flash floods affect the inhabitants of mountainous and valley areas, which necessitates adherence to the instructions of the Civil Defense and the competent authorities.