The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued its daily weather forecast for Monday, warning of continued weather fluctuations across most regions of the Kingdom. The forecast indicates thunderstorms of varying intensity, accompanied by active winds that may stir up dust and sand, necessitating caution.
Details of the expected weather conditions
are expected to continue moderate to heavy thunderstorms over parts of the Makkah region, potentially leading to flash floods in some valleys and ravines. These storms will be accompanied by hail and strong downdrafts. Light to moderate rain is also expected over the highlands of the Jazan, Asir, and Al-Baha regions, as well as the southern parts of the Madinah region.
Regarding surface winds, the center expects dust-raising winds to affect parts of the Qassim, Hail, Al-Jawf, Northern Borders, Riyadh, and Eastern Province regions, potentially reducing horizontal visibility. The center specifically warned residents of the Eastern Province, including Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, Qatif, Ras Tanura, Al-Ahsa, Al-Udayd, and Abqaiq, of strong winds starting at 9:00 AM and continuing until 7:00 PM, reaching speeds of up to 49 kilometers per hour and reducing visibility to between 3 and 5 kilometers. Hafar Al-Batin is also experiencing similar dust storm conditions during the same period.
The climatic context of weather fluctuations in the Kingdom
These weather fluctuations occur during the transitional period between seasons, a time when the Kingdom typically experiences atmospheric instability. The desert and semi-desert climate of most of Saudi Arabia is characterized by significant temperature variations between day and night and across different seasons. The Kingdom is influenced by low-pressure systems originating from the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, which, when combined with moist air masses from the south, create favorable conditions for the formation of cumulonimbus clouds and rainfall, particularly over the western and southwestern highlands.
Importance and expected effects
These weather phenomena have direct impacts on public safety and daily life. Heavy rains and flash floods pose a risk to roads and property, requiring relevant authorities, such as civil defense, to raise their level of preparedness. Meanwhile, strong winds and dust storms affect those with respiratory illnesses and asthma, and experts advise staying indoors as much as possible and keeping windows tightly closed in such conditions.
On the maritime front, the center warned that the Red Sea will experience northwesterly to westerly winds reaching speeds of up to 50 km/h towards the Gulf of Aqaba, with waves exceeding two meters in height, making the sea rough in that area. In the Arabian Gulf, winds will be northwesterly to westerly at speeds of up to 34 km/h, with wave heights ranging from half a meter to one and a half meters, resulting in calm to moderate sea conditions. This information is vital for seafarers, including fishermen and boat owners, to ensure their safety.
