Weather forecast: Heat wave in the Eastern Province, winds and dust in 6 regions
The National Center for Meteorology issued its daily weather forecast for various regions of Saudi Arabia, indicating that hot to very hot conditions will continue to prevail in parts of the Eastern Province. The report also warned of continued strong winds stirring up dust and sand, reducing horizontal visibility in six regions, while the possibility of thunderstorms and rain is present over the southwestern highlands.
Summer climate fluctuations and their impact on the Kingdom
During the summer months, Saudi Arabia experiences weather fluctuations that are part of its desert and semi-desert climate pattern. The country is significantly influenced by the subtropical high-pressure system, which causes stable weather and a noticeable rise in temperatures, particularly in the eastern and central regions. The dry, northwesterly seasonal winds known as "Al-Bawarih" are also active, contributing to widespread dust storms and sandstorms, which explains the frequent warnings issued for areas such as Tabuk, Al-Jawf, and the Northern Borders region. Conversely, the southwestern highlands are affected by the extension of humid monsoon winds from the Arabian Sea, creating conditions conducive to the formation of cumulonimbus clouds and summer rainfall, which helps to moderate the weather in those areas.
Weather warnings and details of expected weather conditions
The National Center for Meteorology has urged caution, especially in areas affected by the weather phenomena. In the Eastern Province, temperatures are expected to reach record highs, ranging between 47 and 48 degrees Celsius in Al-Ahsa, Al-Udayd, and Buqayq. This necessitates avoiding direct sun exposure during peak hours (from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM) and drinking plenty of fluids. Active winds stirring up dust and sand are expected to affect parts of the Madinah, Tabuk, Al-Jawf, Northern Borders, Hail, and Qassim regions, potentially impacting those with respiratory conditions and requiring caution from drivers on highways. Meanwhile, the chance of thunderstorms accompanied by active winds remains high in the Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, and Makkah regions.
Red Sea situation
Surface winds over the Red Sea are expected to be northwesterly to northerly at speeds of 25 to 45 kilometers per hour in the northern and central parts, and northwesterly to westerly at speeds of 10 to 30 kilometers per hour in the southern part. Wave height will be between one and two meters in the northern and central parts, and between half a meter and one meter in the southern part, resulting in moderate sea conditions in the north and central regions and slight sea conditions in the south.
Arabian Gulf situation
In the Arabian Gulf, surface winds will be northwesterly to northerly at 16 to 36 kilometers per hour in the northern part, and northwesterly to westerly at 25 to 45 kilometers per hour in the central and southern parts. Wave height will 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 in the north and moderate sea conditions in the remaining areas.
