The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued important alerts regarding the weather conditions in Saudi Arabia today, indicating weather fluctuations affecting several regions, most notably the Najran region, which is experiencing dust storm activity, coinciding with thunderstorms in other regions.
Weather details in Najran
The center explained in its daily statement that the Najran region is affected by dust storms that are reducing horizontal visibility. Forecasts indicate that visibility may drop to between 3 and 5 kilometers, necessitating caution from those using highways and open roads.
This weather condition includes the city of Najran itself, as well as several of its surrounding governorates: Badr Al-Janoub, Thar, Yadmah, Khubash, and Habuna. The meteorological department indicated that this condition, which is expected to persist until 6:00 PM, requires special attention from those with respiratory illnesses and asthma due to the high concentration of dust in the air.
Thunderstorms and flash floods in parts of the Kingdom
In a related development concerning the weather conditions in Saudi Arabia , forecasts extended beyond dust storms in the south to include moderate to heavy thunderstorms. The center predicted that these storms would lead to flash floods, accompanied by hail and strong, dust-raising winds.
Rainfall is concentrated across large parts of the regions of Medina, Qassim, Hail, Tabuk, Al-Jawf, and the Northern Borders, with its effects extending to the northern parts of the Eastern Province. Light rain is also possible in the highlands of the western and southwestern regions.
climatic and geographical context
These weather fluctuations are part of the typical climatic characteristics of Saudi Arabia during the transitional periods between seasons. The Najran region, due to its geographical location in the south of the Kingdom and its proximity to the Rub' al Khali desert, is frequently affected by active winds that stir up dust and sand, especially when air masses change.
These weather phenomena are common at this time of year, as low-pressure systems coming from the north interfere with warm currents, creating a state of atmospheric instability that leads to weather variations between dust in the south and rain in the north and center.
Public safety recommendations
Given these forecasts, relevant authorities consistently emphasize the importance of monitoring current weather reports. Drivers in Najran are advised to maintain a safe distance and use appropriate lighting when visibility is reduced. In areas experiencing rainfall, drivers are strongly warned against approaching valleys and flood channels, as flash floods can form rapidly due to the expected heavy rainfall.
