Weather forecast in Saudi Arabia: Thunderstorms and snow expected on Monday

The National Center for Meteorology announced details of weather conditions in Saudi Arabia for Monday, warning of significant weather fluctuations including thunderstorms, strong surface winds, and reduced horizontal visibility due to fog, with the possibility of snowfall in some northern highlands. These forecasts are part of a series of climatic changes the Kingdom experiences during this time of year.

Rainfall and active wind map

According to the meteorological report, moderate to heavy thunderstorms are expected to continue, potentially leading to flash floods in valleys and ravines. These storms will be accompanied by hail and strong winds that will stir up dust and reduce horizontal visibility. This weather pattern will affect large parts of the Eastern Province, Riyadh, Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir, Jazan, and Najran.

Chances of fog formation and snowfall

The rain and fog will extend to parts of the Qassim, Hail, Madinah, Tabuk, Al-Jawf, and Northern Borders regions. In an event many anticipate annually, the report does not rule out light snowfall in parts of the Tabuk mountain range, specifically in Jabal Al-Lawz, Al-Aqan, and Al-Dahr, areas that typically become blanketed in white during periods of significantly lower temperatures.

The climatic and historical context of the Kingdom's weather

Historically, Saudi Arabia has a predominantly arid desert climate, but the transitional periods between seasons and winter are typically marked by periods of atmospheric instability. Snowfall in the Tabuk Mountains is a natural, annual occurrence, as the northwestern regions of the Kingdom are affected by cold polar air masses originating from the Levant and the eastern Mediterranean. In recent years, these highlands have experienced heavy snowfall, which has become a significant tourist attraction for citizens and residents alike, positively impacting domestic tourism.

Expected effects of the weather conditions

These weather changes have significant local and regional impacts. Locally, the heavy rainfall contributes to replenishing groundwater reserves and supporting the agricultural sector in various regions, particularly on the terraced fields of the southern areas. However, these weather conditions necessitate heightened preparedness from relevant authorities, such as civil defense and traffic departments, to manage water accumulation and flash floods. These conditions often prompt education authorities to suspend in-person classes and switch to remote learning to ensure the safety of students.

Navigation conditions in the Red Sea

• Surface winds: Northerly to northeasterly at speeds of 10 to 30 km/h in the northern part. Southerly to southeasterly at speeds of 15 to 40 km/h in the central and southern parts, with speeds potentially exceeding 50 km/h during thunderstorms.
• Wave height: from half a meter to one and a half meters, and may reach more than two meters in areas of thunderstorms.
• Sea state: Light to moderate waves, becoming rough with the formation of rain-bearing thunderclouds.

Navigation conditions in the Arabian Gulf

• Surface winds: Southerly to southeasterly at speeds ranging from 12 to 35 km/h, reaching more than 50 km/h when thunderstorms are formed.
• Wave height: from half a meter to one and a half meters, and can reach more than two meters with thunderstorms.
• Sea state: Light to moderate waves, turning rough during times of severe weather fluctuations.