Weather forecast for Saudi Arabia on Friday: Active winds and thunderstorms with rain

Weather forecast for Saudi Arabia today, Friday

The National Center for Meteorology announced details of weather conditions in Saudi Arabia for Friday, warning citizens and residents of significant weather fluctuations, including active winds stirring up dust and sand, in addition to the formation of thunderstorms with rain in several regions. These forecasts are part of the center's ongoing efforts to provide early warnings to ensure everyone's safety and facilitate movement.

The effect of wind and dust on horizontal visibility

According to the official statement issued by the Meteorology Department, surface winds are expected to stir up dust and sand, potentially leading to near-zero horizontal visibility. This impact will be primarily concentrated in the northern and northwestern regions of the Kingdom, specifically in the Tabuk, Al-Jawf, and Northern Borders regions. The effects of these winds will also extend to parts of the Hail and Madinah regions, particularly their northern areas. Drivers are advised to exercise extreme caution while driving on highways in these areas to avoid traffic accidents.

Rain-bearing thunderstorms over the southwestern highlands

Conversely, the chance of thunderstorms and rain, potentially accompanied by strong downdrafts, remains high over parts of the southern and western mountainous regions of the Kingdom. These forecasts include the Jazan, Asir, and Al-Baha regions, extending to parts of the Makkah region. Such rainfall is crucial for supporting the vegetation and local agriculture for which these areas are renowned, such as the terraced farming of the mountains, which relies heavily on seasonal rainwater.

The climatic context and geographical diversity in the Kingdom

Historically, Saudi Arabia has experienced significant climatic diversity due to its vast size and varied topography. While the northern regions are influenced by low-pressure systems originating from the Mediterranean basin, bringing active winds, the southwestern highlands are affected by moist air currents from the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea, contributing to the formation of thunderstorms at different times of the year. This variability makes monitoring weather forecasts crucial for a wide range of sectors, including aviation, agriculture, and crisis and disaster management.

Maritime navigation situation: Red Sea and Arabian Gulf

Regarding maritime navigation, which represents a vital local and regional economic artery, the report detailed the situation of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf:

Red Sea:

• Surface winds: Northwesterly to northerly winds will blow at speeds of 15 to 40 km/h over the northern and central parts, reaching up to 45 km/h towards the Gulf of Aqaba. In the southern part, winds will be northwesterly to westerly at speeds of 10-30 km/h.
• Wave height: It ranges from half a meter to one and a half meters on the northern and central parts, reaching two meters towards the Gulf of Aqaba, and from half a meter to one meter on the southern part.
• Sea state: Light to moderate waves in the northern and central parts, and light waves in the southern part.

The Arabian Gulf:

• Surface winds: Northerly to northwesterly in the northern and central parts, and northwesterly to southwesterly in the southern part at a speed of 12-35 km/h, reaching up to 48 km/h in the central and southern parts.
• Wave height: from half a meter to one and a half meters, and may reach two and a half meters in the central and southern parts.
• Sea state: Light to moderate waves, becoming rough in the central and southern parts.

Expected impact of weather fluctuations

These weather changes have direct impacts on daily life and the economy. Locally, dust storms require hospitals to make special preparations to receive asthma and respiratory allergy patients, while dams and farms in the south benefit from rainwater. Regionally and internationally, sea conditions and wave height affect commercial shipping and fishing in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf, two of the world's most important waterways, necessitating that ships and boats adhere to maritime safety instructions issued by the Coast Guard and relevant authorities.