The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued its daily weather forecast for Thursday, indicating continued unstable weather conditions across various parts of the country. The report stated that there remains a chance of moderate to heavy thunderstorms, accompanied by strong winds and hail, over the highlands of Jazan, Asir, and Al-Baha regions, and these conditions may extend to the highlands of the Makkah region.
The climatic context of weather fluctuations in Saudi Arabia
These weather phenomena are part of the Kingdom's typical climatic pattern during the transitional periods between seasons, known locally as the "Sarayat" or "Marawih" season. This period is characterized by the activity of low-pressure systems, leading to atmospheric instability and the rapid formation of cumulonimbus clouds, particularly during the afternoon. The Kingdom's topography plays a crucial role in shaping these phenomena, as the Sarawat Mountains contribute to lifting moist air from the Red Sea, thus increasing the likelihood of rainfall over the southwestern and western highlands.
The effect of active winds and raised dust
Regarding winds, the center predicted the continued impact of active surface winds stirring up dust and sand, which may reduce horizontal visibility in parts of these areas, in addition to affecting the Al-Jawf and Northern Borders regions. The center also issued a special alert for the Eastern Province regarding dust in some areas, including Al-Khafji, Al-Nairiyah, Qaryat Al-Ulya, and Hafr Al-Batin, expected to persist until 1:00 PM, accompanied by a decrease in horizontal visibility ranging between 3 and 5 kilometers.
Importance and expected impacts locally and regionally
Locally, these weather fluctuations have varying impacts. While rainfall is a vital water source and supports agriculture in mountainous regions, it also poses a risk of flash floods in valleys and ravines, necessitating caution. Dust storms, on the other hand, present a challenge to public health, particularly for those with asthma and respiratory conditions, and negatively affect land and air transport due to reduced visibility. Regionally, dense dust storms can cross borders and affect neighboring countries, a common weather phenomenon in the Arabian Peninsula.
Red Sea situation
- Surface winds: Northwesterly to northerly at a speed of 15-40 km/h on the northern and central parts, and northwesterly to westerly on the southern part at a speed of 10-30 km/h.
- Wave height: from half a meter to one and a half meters.
- Sea state: Light to moderate waves.
Arabian Gulf situation
- Surface winds: Northerly to northwesterly in the northern and central parts, and northwesterly to southwesterly in the southern part at a speed of 12-35 km/h, reaching 48 km/h in the central and southern parts.
- Wave height: from half a meter to one and a half meters, reaching two and a half meters in the central and southern parts.
- Sea state: Light to moderate waves, becoming rough in the central and southern parts.
The National Center for Meteorology stresses the need to follow the updates and reports issued by it, and to adhere to the instructions of the concerned authorities such as the Civil Defense and Road Security to ensure everyone’s safety.
