The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued its daily weather report, forecasting continued weather fluctuations across most of the Kingdom. The report indicated that the chance of moderate to heavy thunderstorms, possibly accompanied by hail, remains high in parts of the highlands of Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, and Makkah regions, extending to parts of Madinah. Light rain is also possible in scattered areas of Qassim and Riyadh regions.
The climatic context of weather fluctuations in the Kingdom
These forecasts are consistent with Saudi Arabia's typical climate pattern, characterized by significant regional variations. While the mountainous southwestern regions, such as Asir and Al-Baha, enjoy a semi-arid climate with seasonal rainfall during spring and summer due to the influence of humid monsoon winds from the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean, most of the central and northern regions remain arid desert. The transitional periods between seasons often see the development of low-pressure systems, leading to atmospheric instability, which explains the formation of thunderstorms and widespread rainfall, as well as increased surface wind activity.
The effect of active winds and raised dust
In addition to the rain, the center warned of the continued impact of active winds stirring up dust and sand, which may reduce horizontal visibility. This impact is expected to affect parts of the Hail, Al-Jawf, Northern Borders, and Eastern Province regions, in addition to the areas experiencing rainfall. The center issued a special alert for Hafr Al-Batin Governorate in the Eastern Province, where the dust storm is expected to begin at 9:00 AM and continue until 7:00 PM, reducing visibility to between 3 and 5 kilometers.
The importance and expected effects of weather phenomena
These weather phenomena have varying impacts. Rainfall is a vital source for replenishing groundwater reserves and dams, and for supporting agriculture in the southwestern highlands. However, heavy rainfall can lead to flash floods in valleys and ravines, necessitating caution. From a health perspective, dust storms pose a challenge for those with respiratory illnesses and asthma. Furthermore, strong winds and reduced visibility directly affect the safety of land and air transport, requiring drivers and passengers to heed warnings issued by relevant authorities such as civil defense and traffic management.
Red Sea situation
The report indicated that surface winds over the Red Sea will be northwesterly to westerly at speeds ranging from 15 to 32 km/h in the northern and central parts, potentially reaching 40 km/h towards the Gulf of Aqaba. In the southern part, winds will be southwesterly to northwesterly, shifting to northerly and northeasterly in the evening at speeds of 15-30 km/h. Wave heights will range from half a meter to one and a half meters, with sea conditions ranging from slight to moderate.
Arabian Gulf situation
In the Arabian Gulf, surface winds will be northwesterly to westerly during the day, shifting to easterly and southeasterly in the evening at speeds between 15 and 30 km/h. Wave height will be between half a meter and one meter, with calm sea conditions.
