Introduction to the weather in Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia experiences a unique climate diversity reflecting its vast geographical area and varied terrain. In this context, the National Center for Meteorology, in its detailed weather forecast for Tuesday, revealed continued weather fluctuations, including thunderstorms of varying intensity, flash floods, and significant surface wind activity that will stir up dust and sand across large parts of the Kingdom.
Details of the rainfall situation and its geographical distribution
The report issued by the National Center for Meteorology indicated that the chance of thunderstorms, ranging from moderate to heavy, remains high. This weather pattern is particularly concentrated in parts of the Asir, Jazan, and Najran regions, where these storms are expected to cause flash floods in valleys and ravines, accompanied by hail. Residents of these areas are advised to take precautions.
Meanwhile, light to moderate rain is expected in parts of Al-Baha, Makkah, and Riyadh. The report also indicated the possibility of thunderstorms in parts of the Northern Borders, Al-Jawf, Al-Qassim, and Madinah regions, potentially leading to cloudy and rainy conditions across large areas of the country.
Impact of active winds and dust storms
Regarding wind patterns, the center warned of continued impact from active surface winds stirring up dust and sand in parts of the northern and central regions, as well as parts of the eastern region. These winds may reach levels that cause near-zero horizontal visibility, especially in parts of northern Saudi Arabia, requiring extreme caution from drivers on highways.
Maritime navigation situation: Red Sea and Arabian Gulf
The weather report included detailed information on maritime conditions. In the Red Sea, surface winds are northwesterly to northerly at speeds ranging from 20 to 43 km/h in the northern and central parts, and from 15 to 30 km/h in the southern part. Wave heights range from one to two meters in the north and central parts, and from half a meter to one and a half meters in the south, resulting in a slight to moderate sea state.
In the Arabian Gulf, surface winds are expected to be northwesterly to northerly at speeds ranging from 16 to 32 km/h. Wave heights will range from half a meter to one and a half meters, resulting in calm to moderate sea conditions, suitable for normal maritime activities with caution.
The historical and climatic context of weather fluctuations
Historically, the Arabian Peninsula has been known for its fluctuating weather patterns during the transitional periods between seasons. Topography plays a crucial role in this variation; the southwestern highlands (such as Asir and Jazan) receive higher rainfall due to monsoon winds and the influence of the mountains, which force moist air to rise and condense. In contrast, the northern and eastern regions are more susceptible to downdrafts and sandstorms due to their flat, desert terrain.
Importance and expected impact locally and regionally
These weather changes are of great importance locally. On the positive side, the rainfall contributes to replenishing groundwater reserves and supporting vegetation and the agricultural sector, especially in rural areas. However, flash floods and reduced visibility due to dust pose challenges to infrastructure and land and air transport. Therefore, the relevant authorities, primarily the General Directorate of Civil Defense, are constantly issuing proactive warnings and advising citizens and residents to stay away from valleys and flood channels, and to follow traffic safety guidelines during dust storms, to ensure the safety of lives and property.
