Saudi Arabia weather forecast for Friday: Thunderstorms and flash floods expected in 12 regions
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued its daily weather report for Friday, which included important warnings for citizens and residents across the Kingdom. The forecast indicates unstable weather conditions, including thunderstorms ranging from moderate to heavy, necessitating caution.
Weather details and affected areas
According to the center's statement, the rainy weather will affect large parts of the Kingdom, with thunderstorms expected accompanied by hail and strong winds that will stir up dust and sand. These weather conditions may lead to flash floods in valleys and ravines, as well as reduced or zero horizontal visibility on highways and in open areas.
The areas affected by this heavy rainfall include parts of:
- Makkah Region
- Madinah region
- Riyadh region
- Al-Qassim region
- Hail region
- Northern borders
- Eastern Province
- Al-Baha region
In contrast, light to moderate rain is expected in parts of Al-Jawf, Tabuk, Asir and Jazan regions, promising distinctive winter weather in those areas.
State of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
Regarding the sea conditions, the report indicated that the Red Sea will experience northwesterly to northerly surface winds in its northern and central parts, while southeasterly to southwesterly winds will prevail in the southern part. Wind speeds will range from 15 to 35 km/h, potentially exceeding 50 km/h with the formation of thunderstorms, leading to wave heights exceeding two meters. Sea conditions will be rough in the central and southern sections.
As for the Arabian Gulf , forecasts indicate northwesterly to northeasterly surface winds that will turn southeasterly at night, with wave heights ranging from half a meter to one meter, and a light to moderate sea state.
Climate context and the importance of warnings
These weather fluctuations are occurring within the context of the rainy season in Saudi Arabia, which is typically characterized by periods of atmospheric instability resulting from the convergence of different air masses. These warnings are of paramount importance given the Kingdom's geography, where heavy rainfall over a short period can lead to flash floods that flow rapidly through valleys, posing a danger to hikers and those traveling on highways.
The early warning system implemented by the National Center of Meteorology is a vital step in managing natural disasters, as it enhances the preparedness of relevant authorities such as Civil Defense and municipalities to deal with water accumulations and ensure the safety of lives and property. Official authorities consistently urge the public to stay away from floodplains and wadis during such weather events and to follow continuous updates through official channels.
