Hot weather and active winds prevail in the Kingdom
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued its daily weather report, indicating that a heat wave continues to affect large parts of the country, accompanied by active winds that are stirring up dust and sand. The heat is particularly intense in the Eastern Province, while the winds are affecting multiple regions, necessitating caution.
According to the center's forecast, hot to very hot weather will continue in parts of the Eastern Province. Active winds stirring up dust and sand, reducing horizontal visibility, will also continue to affect parts of the Eastern Province, Riyadh, Qassim, Hail, Tabuk, Madinah, and Makkah. Meanwhile, the chance of thunderstorms with rain and active winds remains high in parts of the Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, and Makkah highlands.
The climatic context of summer weather in Saudi Arabia
These weather conditions are typical of the Arabian Peninsula's summer season, characterized by exceptionally high temperatures, often exceeding 45 degrees Celsius in the interior and desert regions. This period is also known for the activity of the "Bawarih" or "Shamal" winds, dry northwesterly winds that are active during June and July. These winds stir up dust and sand from the vast desert areas, leading to the formation of dust storms that affect air quality and visibility.
Expected effects and the importance of warnings
These weather phenomena have direct impacts on various aspects of daily life and public health. Locally, the dust storms negatively affect those with respiratory illnesses, asthma, and allergies, with health authorities recommending that these individuals stay indoors and keep their windows tightly closed. Reduced horizontal visibility also increases the risk of accidents on highways connecting cities, requiring drivers to exercise extreme caution and reduce their speed. Air traffic at airports within the dust zone may be affected. Regionally, major dust storms can cross national borders, affecting neighboring countries in the Arabian Gulf, making it a phenomenon with shared regional impact.
Sea conditions details
Red Sea
- Surface winds: Northwesterly to westerly at a speed of 20-40 km/h in the northern and central parts, and at a speed of 15-30 km/h in the southern part.
- Wave height: from one to two meters on the northern and central parts, and from half a meter to one and a half meters on the southern part.
- Sea state: Light to moderate waves.
Arabian Gulf
- Surface winds: Northwesterly to northerly at a speed of 15-35 km/h.
- Wave height: from half a meter to one and a half meters.
- Sea state: Light to moderate waves.
Special alert for the Eastern Province
The National Center for Meteorology has warned of continued dust storms affecting parts of the Eastern Province, beginning at 9:00 AM and lasting until 6:00 PM. The warning includes the governorates of Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, Dhahran, Qatif, Ras Tanura, Al-Ahsa, Al-Udayd, Abqaiq, and Hafr Al-Batin. The accompanying effects include strong winds and a reduction in horizontal visibility to between 3 and 5 kilometers.
