The National Center for Meteorology issued its daily weather for Thursday across Saudi Arabia, indicating continued atmospheric instability in several key regions. The center predicted the continued formation of thunderstorms accompanied by active winds that will stir up dust and sand, potentially reducing horizontal visibility, particularly in parts of Jazan, Asir, and Al-Baha regions, extending to the highlands of Makkah and Madinah.
Climatic context and topographical influence
These weather fluctuations are part of the typical climatic patterns for this time of year, with the mountainous terrain, particularly the Sarawat Mountains, playing a pivotal role in the formation of cumulonimbus clouds due to moist air currents originating from the Red Sea. This weather pattern is of particular importance given its direct impact on transportation and travel between cities, as well as the potential for flash floods in valleys and ravines in sloping areas, necessitating continuous monitoring of official warnings.
Rain and fog forecast for other areas
In a related context, the weather report did not rule out scattered rainfall in parts of the northern and central regions of the Kingdom, while there is a chance of dense fog forming during the night and early morning hours in parts of those regions, as well as in parts of the Eastern Province, which requires drivers to be cautious while driving on highways.
State of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
Regarding the sea conditions, the report indicated that surface winds over the Red Sea will be northwesterly to northerly in the northern and central parts, while shifting to southeasterly and southwesterly in the southern part, reaching speeds of up to 50 km/h with the formation of thunderstorms. Wave heights will range from half a meter to one and a half meters, potentially exceeding two meters in the south, resulting in occasionally rough sea conditions. In the Arabian Gulf, winds will be westerly to northwesterly, with calm sea conditions.
Special alerts for the Makkah region
The National Center for Meteorology issued an advanced warning for the Makkah region regarding light rain accompanied by active winds and reduced horizontal visibility, in addition to the possibility of thunderstorms. This weather pattern includes the governorates of Al-Ardiyat, Al-Lith, Al-Qunfudhah, Adham, Maysan, and Taif. According to the report, this weather phenomenon will begin at 1:00 PM and continue until the early evening hours, necessitating caution and staying away from wadis and water accumulations.
