Saudi Arabia weather forecast for Sunday: Thunderstorms and flash floods expected in 11 regions

The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia announced details of the expected weather conditions for Sunday, warning of significant weather fluctuations including thunderstorms, flash floods, and hail in 11 different regions. These forecasts are part of the center's ongoing monitoring to ensure the safety of citizens and residents.

Climate context and the importance of early warnings

These warnings are of paramount importance given the climate changes the region is experiencing in general, and the Kingdom in particular, as extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall at unusual times have become more frequent. Early warnings issued by the National Center for Meteorology play a vital role in mitigating material and human losses, and assist relevant authorities such as Civil Defense and traffic departments in enhancing their preparedness to deal with any emergencies that may arise from water accumulation, flash floods, and overflowing wadis.

Details of the areas affected by the weather conditions

According to the official statement issued by the Meteorology Department, the chance of thunderstorms ranging from moderate to heavy remains. These storms may lead to flash floods and will be accompanied by hail and strong winds that will stir up dust and sand, potentially reducing horizontal visibility. This weather pattern will affect large parts of the Eastern Province, Riyadh, Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir, Jazan, and Najran. The effects will also extend to parts of Tabuk, Hail, Al-Jawf, and the Northern Borders regions.

The center did not rule out the possibility of dense fog forming in the early morning or late night hours in parts of these areas, necessitating caution while driving on highways. Locally, these rains contribute to replenishing groundwater reserves and supporting the agricultural sector, but require public awareness to avoid valley areas. Regionally, the Kingdom's exposure to these air masses reflects the unstable weather conditions affecting the Arabian Peninsula and the Arabian Gulf region.

Red Sea situation

• Surface winds: Southerly to southeasterly at a speed of 10 to 35 km/h, gradually turning northerly or northeasterly in the afternoon over the northern part, and may reach speeds of up to 50 km/h with the formation of rain-bearing thunderclouds over the southern part and towards the Gulf of Aqaba.
• Wave height: It ranges from half a meter to one and a half meters, and may reach more than two meters in areas that witness the formation of rain-bearing thunderclouds, especially in the southern part and towards the Gulf of Aqaba.
• Sea state: Light to moderate waves, becoming rough with the formation of thunderclouds.

Arabian Gulf situation

• Surface winds: Easterly to southeasterly at speeds ranging from 12 to 35 km/h, and are expected to reach more than 50 km/h in conjunction with the formation of rain-bearing thunderclouds.
• Wave height: from half a meter to one and a half meters, and reaches more than two meters with thunderstorms.
• Sea state: Light to moderate waves, turning rough in areas affected by thunderstorms.

In conclusion, experts stress the need to follow the continuous updates issued by the National Center for Meteorology through its official channels, and to adhere to the instructions of the competent authorities to ensure public safety during this period of significant weather fluctuations.