Saudi Arabia weather: Warnings of thunderstorms and flash floods in 9 regions
Warnings of widespread weather fluctuations in the Kingdom
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued its detailed weather forecast for Friday, warning of continued atmospheric instability across most of the Kingdom. The forecast indicates thunderstorms of varying intensity, potentially heavy, increasing the risk of flash floods in several areas, accompanied by hail and strong winds that will reduce horizontal visibility.
Areas affected by the rainy weather
According to the center's statement, there remains a chance of moderate to heavy thunderstorms, leading to flash floods, across large parts of the Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, and Makkah regions. The rainy weather also extends to the Madinah, Hail, Qassim, and Riyadh regions, as well as the northern parts of the Eastern Province. These storms will be accompanied by strong surface winds and hail, necessitating caution.
Climatic context: The season of Marawih and Sarayat
These weather fluctuations are part of the typical spring season in the Arabian Peninsula, a transitional period known locally as "Al-Marawih" or "Al-Sarayat." This period is characterized by high humidity in the upper atmosphere and unstable air currents, creating ideal conditions for the formation of dense cumulonimbus clouds that cause heavy rainfall over a short period. This explains the frequent warnings about the potential for flash floods in valleys and ravines.
Expected impacts and the importance of responding to warnings
This weather system has direct implications for daily life, with traffic expected to be affected in cities and on highways. The General Directorate of Civil Defense has issued warnings to citizens and residents, urging them to exercise caution, stay away from valleys and floodplains, and avoid low-lying areas and water accumulations. Active winds stirring up dust and sand are also affecting those with respiratory conditions and reducing horizontal visibility, requiring extra caution from drivers. On a positive note, these rains are contributing to replenishing groundwater reservoirs and increasing water levels in dams, which will benefit the agricultural sector and the Kingdom's water reserves.
The situation in the Red and Arabian Seas
Red Sea: Surface winds are expected to be northwesterly to northerly at speeds of 20-40 km/h in the northern and central parts, potentially reaching 50 km/h towards the Gulf of Aqaba. In the southern part, winds will be 12-30 km/h. Wave heights will range from 1-2 meters in the northern and central parts, exceeding 2 meters towards the Gulf of Aqaba, while in the southern part, they will be 0.5-1.5 meters. Sea conditions will be moderate to rough in the north and slight to moderate in the south.
Arabian Gulf: Surface winds will be northwesterly to northerly at 15-40 km/h in the northern and central parts, potentially exceeding 50 km/h with the development of thunderstorms and rain. In the southern part, winds will be northwesterly to southwesterly at 12-35 km/h. Wave heights will range from half a meter to one and a half meters, potentially reaching two and a half meters with thunderstorms in the north. Sea conditions will be slight to moderate, becoming choppy with the development of thunderstorms.
