The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued its daily weather report, warning of continued weather fluctuations across several regions on Saturday. The forecast indicates thunderstorms that may become heavy, leading to flash floods, accompanied by hail and strong winds that could stir up dust and sand. This weather pattern is concentrated in five main regions, necessitating caution.
The climatic context in the Kingdom
These warnings come within the context of typical weather patterns in Saudi Arabia during transitional periods such as spring, when the country is affected by low-pressure systems originating from the Red Sea and the Mediterranean. This period is characterized by increased atmospheric instability, creating conditions conducive to the formation of cumulonimbus clouds and thunderstorms, particularly over the southwestern and western highlands, as well as the central and eastern regions. Areas like Asir, Jazan, and Najran are among the most affected by these phenomena due to their mountainous terrain, which contributes to the lifting and condensation of humid air, leading to heavy rainfall over short periods.
The importance of weather conditions and their expected impact
These rains are of great importance to both the environment and agriculture, as they contribute to replenishing groundwater reservoirs and dams and revitalize vegetation, which is vital in a desert environment. However, the heavy rainfall and resulting flash floods pose a significant challenge to public safety and infrastructure. This weather condition is expected to affect traffic on main and secondary roads, especially in low-lying areas and valleys. The accompanying strong winds may also reduce horizontal visibility, impacting air and land navigation. Consequently, relevant authorities, such as the General Directorate of Civil Defense, are issuing continuous warnings to citizens and residents, urging them to stay away from valleys and floodplains and to follow safety guidelines.
Forecast details by region
According to a statement from the National Center for Meteorology, there remains a chance of moderate to heavy thunderstorms leading to flash floods, accompanied by hail and strong winds in parts of Najran, Jazan, and Asir regions. Meanwhile, partly cloudy skies are expected, with a chance of thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds that may raise dust and sand in parts of Riyadh and the Eastern Province.
Sea conditions and navigation
The report also addressed the condition of major water bodies and the impact of winds on them, with the following details:
Red Sea
- Surface winds: Northwesterly to westerly at a speed of 10-30 km/h, turning in the afternoon over the northern part to southwesterly then southeasterly.
- Wave height: from half a meter to one and a half meters.
- Sea state: Light to moderate waves.
Arabian Gulf
- Surface winds: Northeasterly to northwesterly, turning easterly to southeasterly in the afternoon at a speed of 10-28 km/h over the northern part, and northwesterly to westerly at a speed of 12-38 km/h over the central and southern parts.
- Wave height: from half a meter to one meter on the northern part, and from half a meter to one and a half meters on the central and southern parts.
- Sea state: Light waves in the northern part and light to moderate waves in the central and southern parts.
