Weather forecast for Saudi Arabia on Sunday: Thunderstorms and strong winds

Weather forecast for Saudi Arabia today, Sunday

The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia announced details of the expected weather conditions for Sunday, warning citizens and residents of significant weather fluctuations. These forecasts include the formation of thunderstorms and rain, in addition to the continued impact of active winds stirring up dust and sand in several regions, necessitating caution while traveling and driving.

Areas affected by wind and dust

According to the official report issued by the Meteorology Department, active surface winds stirring up dust and sand will directly affect large parts of the Najran, Makkah, Madinah, Qassim, Hail, Tabuk, Al-Jawf, and Northern Borders regions. The department warned that this condition could lead to near-zero horizontal visibility, especially in parts of the Riyadh and Eastern regions, requiring drivers to exercise extreme caution on highways to avoid traffic accidents.

Thunderstorms in the highlands

In a related development, forecasts continue for the formation of rain-bearing thunderstorms over parts of the southwestern highlands of the Kingdom. These rains are of great importance to the region, as they contribute to enhancing vegetation cover, supporting the agricultural sector for which these highlands are renowned, and replenishing dams and groundwater.

Maritime navigation situation: Red Sea and Arabian Gulf

Given the importance of maritime navigation and trade, the center provided detailed information about the state of the sea:

Red Sea

• Surface winds: Northwesterly to northerly winds will blow at speeds of 22 to 43 km/h over the northern and central regions, while northwesterly to westerly winds will blow at speeds of 15 to 32 km/h over the southern regions.
• Wave height: ranging from one to two meters on the northern and central parts, and from half a meter to one and a half meters on the southern part.
• Sea state: Moderate waves in the north and center, and light to moderate in the south.

Arabian Gulf

• Surface winds: Northwesterly to northerly at 20-40 km/h in the northern and central parts, and southeasterly to northeasterly at 15-30 km/h in the south.
• Wave height: from one to two meters in the north and center, and from half a meter to one and a half meters in the south.
• Sea state: Moderate waves in the northern and central parts, and light to moderate in the southern part.

Climate context and the importance of monitoring weather forecasts

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is characterized by its vast area and great geographical diversity, resulting in a remarkably varied climate from one region to another. Historically, the Kingdom experiences sharp weather fluctuations during the transitional periods between seasons, including sandstorms caused by temperature differences and wind activity, as well as seasonal rains in the southwestern highlands such as Asir, Jazan, and Al-Baha, which are influenced by humid monsoon winds.

The importance of these weather forecasts lies in their direct impact on daily life and the economy. Locally, early warnings of dust storms help those with respiratory conditions and asthma take necessary precautions by staying indoors, and they also reduce traffic accidents. Regionally and internationally, accurate marine forecasts in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf are vital to ensuring the safety of maritime navigation and the movement of merchant ships and oil tankers, as these two waterways are key arteries of the global economy.

The National Center for Meteorology plays a pivotal role in monitoring these changes using the latest technologies and radars to ensure accurate and reliable information that contributes to protecting lives and property. In this context, the importance of modern environmental initiatives such as the Saudi Green Initiative is highlighted. This initiative aims to increase vegetation cover and reduce desertification, which will contribute in the long term to mitigating the severity of sandstorms and improving the region's climate.