The National Center for Meteorology issued its daily weather for Saudi Arabia, indicating that a heat wave continues to affect large parts of the country, accompanied by active surface winds that are stirring up dust and sand, reducing horizontal visibility in some areas. These forecasts are typical of the summer season, which usually sees a significant rise in temperatures across most of the Arabian Peninsula.
According to the center's report, maximum temperatures are expected to continue rising in parts of the Eastern Province and the Madinah region, as well as the southern parts of the Tabuk region. This rise is part of a prevailing climatic pattern affecting the region, where hot and dry air masses contribute to pushing temperatures to record levels that may exceed 47 degrees Celsius in some cities, necessitating caution.
The effect of active winds on horizontal visibility
The current weather conditions are not limited to high temperatures; they also include significant surface wind activity. The center warned of continued dust-laden winds affecting parts of the Eastern Province, Madinah, and Tabuk. This effect also extends to the Northern Borders and Al-Jawf regions, potentially leading to a significant decrease in horizontal visibility, posing a challenge to traffic and requiring extra caution from drivers on highways.
Historically, the region is known for such weather phenomena, especially during seasonal transitions and the peak of summer heat. These dust storms affect not only road safety but also public health, with those suffering from respiratory illnesses and allergies advised to avoid going out in such conditions unless absolutely necessary.
Chances of thunderstorms in the southwest of the Kingdom
In a striking climatic contrast, while hot and dry conditions prevail across most regions, there remains a chance of thunderstorms accompanied by active winds in parts of Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, and Makkah. These rains may extend to the southern parts of the Madinah highlands. Such summer rains are a distinctive climatic feature of the southwestern highlands of the Kingdom, contributing to moderating the climate and supporting local agriculture.
The situation in the Red and Arabian Seas
Red Sea:
The report indicated that surface winds over the Red Sea will be northwesterly to northerly at speeds ranging from 17-36 km/h in the northern and central parts, and southwesterly to northwesterly at speeds of 10-25 km/h in the southern part. Wave height will range from half a meter to one and a half meters in the northern and central parts, and from half a meter to one meter in the southern part, with sea conditions ranging from slight to moderate in the north and central parts, and slight in the south.
The Arabian Gulf:
In the Arabian Gulf, surface winds will be northwesterly to northerly at speeds of 16-36 km/h in the northern part, and 20-40 km/h in the central and southern parts. Wave heights are expected to range from half a meter to one and a half meters in the northern part, and from one to two meters in the central and southern parts, resulting in slight to moderate sea conditions.
