Saudi Arabia weather today: Rain and fog in 12 regions, weather alerts issued

The National Center for Meteorology issued its daily weather for Saudi Arabia on Saturday, revealing a state of atmospheric instability affecting large areas of the Kingdom. The report included important warnings for citizens and residents regarding thunderstorms of varying intensity, accompanied by hail, in addition to reduced horizontal visibility due to dense fog covering parts of 12 administrative regions.

Details of the rainfall situation and affected areas

The center explained in its official statement that thunderstorms are expected to continue, preceded by active winds that will stir up dust and sand, potentially reducing visibility in open areas and on highways. The affected areas include:

• Eastern Province and Riyadh region: Thunderstorms and hail showers are expected.
• The southern and southwestern regions: include Jazan, Asir, and Al-Baha, and the situation extends to include the southern parts of the Makkah region.
• Northern regions: Light, scattered rain is possible in parts of the Northern Borders, Al-Jawf, and Tabuk regions.

Warnings of fog and reduced visibility

In addition to the rain, the center warned of dense fog forming during the night and early morning hours, leading to near-zero horizontal visibility. This phenomenon is concentrated in parts of the northern regions (Northern Borders, Al-Jawf, Tabuk) and extends to include parts of the Qassim, Hail, and Madinah regions. The relevant authorities urge drivers to exercise extreme caution and use fog lights when driving in these conditions.

State of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf

The Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf are experiencing turbulent sea conditions, and the details are as follows:

• Red Sea: Northwesterly to northerly winds reaching speeds of up to 38 km/h in the north and central regions, shifting to southwesterly winds reaching speeds of up to 50 km/h in the south, accompanied by thunderstorms. Wave heights may exceed two meters in the southern part, resulting in rough sea conditions.
• Arabian Gulf: Active winds reaching speeds of more than 50 km/h with the formation of rain-bearing thunderclouds, and wave heights that may reach more than two and a half meters, which requires caution for seafarers and fishermen.

The context of weather fluctuations and the importance of warnings

This weather pattern is part of the typical seasonal fluctuations experienced in Saudi Arabia during the transition between seasons or at the height of winter, when the region is affected by low-pressure systems from the north or moist air currents from the south. The Kingdom's diverse topography, from the mountainous highlands of Asir and Al-Baha to the plains of Riyadh and the Eastern Province, plays a significant role in the varying intensity of rainfall and the diversity of weather phenomena.

These reports are of paramount importance at the local level, as vital sectors such as education, transportation, and civil defense rely on them to take proactive measures to ensure the safety of lives and property. Such incidents are typically accompanied by calls from civil defense to stay away from valleys and flood channels, and to adhere to public safety instructions during rainfall and flash floods.