The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued its daily weather for Sunday, indicating continued unstable weather conditions characterized by rainfall and fog in several key regions of the Kingdom. This report is part of the ongoing monitoring of weather conditions to ensure the safety of citizens and residents.
Weather details and affected areas
According to the official statement issued by the Meteorology Department, the chance of thunderstorms and rain remains, accompanied by active winds that may stir up dust and reduce horizontal visibility. This weather pattern is particularly concentrated over the mountainous regions of Jazan, Asir, and Al-Baha , extending to the highlands of the Makkah and reaching parts of the Madinah .
In addition to the rain, the center warned of the fog phenomenon that may cover parts of the aforementioned regions, as well as parts of the eastern region , which calls for caution and vigilance while driving in the early morning and late night hours.
State of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
Regarding maritime navigation, the report detailed wind and wave movements as follows:
- The Red Sea: Surface winds are ranging from northwesterly to northeasterly in the northern and central parts, while they are southerly to southwesterly in the southern part. Wind speeds can reach up to 52 km/h towards the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, causing waves to reach heights of up to 2.5 meters and creating rough sea conditions in those areas.
- Arabian Gulf: Surface winds will be southeasterly to easterly, occasionally turning southwesterly at a moderate speed, with wave heights ranging from half a meter to one meter, making the sea state light and relatively suitable for normal marine activities.
The geographical and climatic context of the Kingdom
Saudi Arabia boasts a unique topographical diversity that directly influences its climate. The Sarawat Mountains, which run along the Red Sea coast (including Asir, Al-Baha, and Jazan), act as natural windbreaks, trapping moist winds and making the region more susceptible to seasonal rainfall and thunderstorms than other flat desert areas. This climatic diversity contributes to groundwater recharge and supports vegetation cover, but it also necessitates close monitoring to detect any extreme weather events that could lead to flash floods and overflowing wadis.
The importance and impact of warnings
These daily reports are of paramount importance, both locally and in terms of public services. Locally, these alerts help drivers on highways connecting governorates, especially in mountainous and eastern regions experiencing dense fog, to avoid traffic accidents. Furthermore, warnings regarding the Red Sea, particularly near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital international shipping lane, contribute to the safe passage of vessels and fishermen, reflecting the crucial role of meteorology in protecting lives and property and supporting the national economy by ensuring the safe continuation of logistical activities.
