Saudi Arabia weather forecast for Sunday: Thunderstorms and strong winds in several regions

The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued its daily weather forecast for Sunday, indicating continued weather fluctuations across large parts of the country. The center warned of a chance of thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds and hail, urging caution.

Weather details and affected areas

According to the center's statement, the chance of moderate to heavy thunderstorms remains, potentially leading to flash floods, accompanied by hail and strong winds. This weather pattern includes parts of the Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, Makkah, and Madinah regions. The chance of rain also extends to parts of the Hail region.

Meanwhile, active surface winds stirring up dust and sand, which reduce horizontal visibility, continue to affect parts of Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders, the Eastern Province, Al-Qassim, Riyadh, and Najran regions. The center urged citizens and residents in these areas, especially those with respiratory conditions, to exercise caution.

Climate context: A transitional and sensitive period

These weather fluctuations occur during the transitional period in the Arabian Peninsula between the end of spring and the beginning of summer. Locally known as "Sarayat" or "Marawih," this period is characterized by the rapid and sudden formation of cumulonimbus clouds, particularly during the afternoon. These phenomena are caused by the convergence of different air masses—warm, moist, and cold, dry—creating atmospheric instability that leads to heavy rainfall in localized areas for short periods, often accompanied by strong downdrafts and dust storms.

Importance and expected effects

These rains are crucial for replenishing groundwater reservoirs and dams across the Kingdom, particularly in the southern and western mountainous regions, thus supporting the agricultural sector and water resources. However, their sudden intensity poses a risk of flash floods in valleys and ravines, necessitating continuous monitoring of warnings issued by Civil Defense and other relevant authorities, and staying away from floodplains. On the health front, dust storms exacerbate allergies and respiratory illnesses, while also impacting land and air transportation due to reduced visibility.

Sea conditions and navigation

The weather report indicated that the situation in Bahrain would be as follows:

Red Sea

• Surface winds: Northwesterly to westerly at 15-35 km/h over the northern and central parts, reaching 50 km/h towards the Gulf of Aqaba. Southeasterly to southwesterly at 10-32 km/h over the southern part, reaching 45 km/h towards the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
• Wave height: 1 to 2 meters in the northern and central parts, reaching over 2 meters towards the Gulf of Aqaba. 0.5 to 1.5 meters in the southern part, reaching 2 meters towards the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
• Sea state: Moderate waves in the northern and central parts, becoming rough towards the Gulf of Aqaba, while it is light to moderate waves in the southern part.

Arabian Gulf

• Surface winds: Northwesterly to northerly on the northern and central parts, and northwesterly to westerly on the southern part at a speed of 20-40 km/h, reaching 45 km/h on the central part.
• Wave height: from one meter to two meters.
• Sea state: Moderate waves.