Thunderstorms and dust-raising winds in Saudi Arabia... Find out which areas
The National Center of Meteorology issued its detailed weather Tuesday, warning of significant weather fluctuations including thunderstorms accompanied by hail, as well as strong winds that will stir up dust and sand. These forecasts are part of the center's ongoing efforts to monitor climate changes and provide early warnings to citizens and residents.
General context and climate changes in the Kingdom
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is characterized by significant geographical and climatic diversity, making it susceptible to rapid weather fluctuations, particularly during seasonal transitions. While these changes play a vital role in replenishing groundwater reserves and improving vegetation cover, they also necessitate extreme caution in managing associated phenomena such as sandstorms and flash floods. In line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, the National Center of Meteorology is working to enhance the accuracy of weather forecasts to mitigate risks and protect lives and property.
Areas affected by rain and strong winds
The report indicated that the chance of thunderstorms of varying intensity remains, accompanied by hail and strong winds that will reduce horizontal visibility due to dust and sandstorms. This weather pattern will affect large parts of the Kingdom, including the Eastern Province, Riyadh, Qassim, Madinah, Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir, Jazan, and Najran. These conditions will directly impact traffic, necessitating caution from drivers on highways and advising them to avoid high speeds.
Maritime navigation situation: Red Sea and Arabian Gulf
Regionally and internationally, sea conditions are of paramount importance due to the active commercial shipping traffic. In the Red Sea , surface winds are northwesterly to northerly in the northern and central parts, and southerly to southeasterly in the southern part, with speeds ranging from 10 to 35 km/h, potentially reaching 48 km/h towards the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Wave heights range from half a meter to one and a half meters, reaching two meters towards the strait, resulting in a slight to moderate sea state.
In the Arabian Gulf , northerly to northwesterly winds will blow at speeds of 20-45 km/h, reaching up to 50 km/h with the formation of rain-bearing thunderstorms over the northern and central parts. Wave heights will range from one to two and a half meters in areas affected by thunderstorms, making the sea rough and requiring extreme caution from fishermen, seafarers, and companies operating in the maritime sector.
Special focus: Rainfall in the Eastern Province and Al-Ahsa
The National Center for Meteorology issued specific warnings for the Eastern Province, forecasting light to moderate rainfall in parts of the region, particularly in the Al-Ahsa and Buqayq governorates. This rainy weather is expected to begin at 2:00 PM and continue until 11:00 PM. These rains are of significant local importance, especially in Al-Ahsa Governorate, one of the world's largest agricultural oases and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The rain will contribute to irrigating farms and moderating the climate, despite the accompanying strong winds, reduced horizontal visibility, and thunderstorms.
Expected impact and preventive guidelines
These weather changes have multifaceted impacts; locally, they affect daily activities and traffic, while regionally and internationally, maritime warnings play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of shipping lanes in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf. In such conditions, relevant authorities consistently emphasize the need to stay away from floodplains and valleys, and to avoid going out when visibility is poor due to dust, to ensure everyone's safety.
