Today's weather forecast for the Kingdom
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is experiencing significant weather fluctuations, with the National Center for Meteorology issuing its detailed daily report on the expected weather conditions for Monday across the Kingdom. The Center forecasts continued thunderstorms ranging from moderate to heavy, which may lead to flash floods in valleys and ravines. This weather pattern will be accompanied by hail and strong winds that will stir up dust and sand, directly impacting horizontal visibility in large parts of the Qassim, Riyadh, and Eastern Province regions. Meanwhile, light to moderate rain is expected in parts of the Najran, Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, Makkah, and Madinah regions.
Advanced alerts for the Eastern Province and Hafr Al-Batin
The National Center for Meteorology issued advanced warnings for the Eastern Province, forecasting rain to begin at 2:00 PM and continue until 11:00 PM, affecting the cities and governorates of Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, Qatif, and Ras Tanura. This rain will be accompanied by strong winds that may reduce visibility to near zero, in addition to hail, flash floods, and severe thunderstorms. Meanwhile, Hafr Al-Batin Governorate is experiencing a dust storm starting at 8:00 AM and continuing until 7:00 PM, which will reduce horizontal visibility to between 3 and 5 kilometers.
Navigation conditions in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
On the maritime front, the report indicated that surface winds over the Red Sea will be northwesterly to northerly in the northern and central parts, and southeasterly to southerly in the southern part, with speeds ranging from 20 to 42 km/h, potentially reaching 55 km/h towards the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Wave heights will range from one to two meters, potentially reaching two and a half meters in the south, resulting in a moderate to rough sea state. In the Arabian Gulf, winds will be southeasterly to easterly at speeds of 12-35 km/h, reaching up to 50 km/h with the formation of rain-bearing thunderstorms over the northern and central parts, resulting in a slight to moderate sea state, becoming rough with thunderstorms.
Climate context and expected impacts
Historically, the Arabian Peninsula is known for its transitional periods between seasons, often characterized by atmospheric instability and the formation of cumulonimbus clouds. These rains play a vital role in replenishing groundwater and raising dam levels, positively impacting the agricultural sector and vegetation cover in the Kingdom, which aligns with the goals of the 'Green Saudi Arabia' initiative. However, the Kingdom's geography, which includes numerous steep valleys, makes flash floods a significant risk, necessitating the activation of early warning systems, which are efficiently managed by the National Center of Meteorology to protect lives and property.
Regionally and internationally, maritime warnings in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf are of paramount importance, as they are among the most vital waterways for global trade and energy transport. These accurate weather bulletins help shipping companies and merchant vessels take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their routes and avoid thunderstorms and rough seas, thus preserving the stability of global supply chains. The relevant authorities, primarily the General Directorate of Civil Defense, urge all citizens and residents to exercise caution, stay away from valleys and floodplains, and adhere to safety instructions to ensure public safety during these weather fluctuations.
