The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued its daily weather report for Saturday, revealing widespread weather disturbances affecting large parts of the Kingdom. The report indicates continued chances of moderate to heavy thunderstorms, urging citizens and residents in affected areas to exercise caution.
Weather details and affected areas
According to the center's data, the expected rainfall will be accompanied by hail and strong winds that will stir up dust and sand, potentially reducing horizontal visibility and causing flash floods in valleys and ravines. This weather pattern will affect large parts of the Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, Makkah, Madinah, Hail, Qassim, and Riyadh .
Rain clouds are also expected to affect parts of the Eastern Province and the Northern Borders , while light to moderate rain is forecast for parts of the Najran . In a related development, the meteorological department warned of the possibility of fog forming during the night and early morning hours in the western and southwestern highlands, requiring extra caution from drivers on highways and in mountainous areas.
The state of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
Regarding the maritime situation, the report provided the following details:
- The Red Sea: Northwesterly to northerly surface winds reaching speeds of up to 40 km/h are expected in the northern and central parts, while southwesterly to southeasterly winds reaching speeds of up to 50 km/h are expected in the southern part, accompanied by thunderstorms. Wave heights will range from one to two and a half meters, resulting in a moderate to rough sea state.
- Arabian Gulf: Winds will be northwesterly to northerly at speeds of up to 45 km/h, with wave heights reaching up to two and a half meters in the event of thunderstorms and rain over the northern and central parts.
Climate context and the importance of warnings
These weather fluctuations are part of a typical seasonal pattern in Saudi Arabia during transitional periods, when the region is affected by low-pressure systems that contribute to the formation of cumulonimbus clouds and thunderstorms. This particular weather pattern is of special significance due to its widespread impact across a large number of regions (11 administrative regions) and its direct effect on the capital, Riyadh, and the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
The National Center of Meteorology's reports play a vital role in enhancing public safety, as relevant authorities such as the Civil Defense rely on them to issue warnings to avoid valleys and flood channels. These rainy conditions directly affect traffic and daily activities, highlighting the importance of following up on real-time weather forecasts. While these rains have a positive aspect in terms of irrigating vegetation and replenishing groundwater, their intensity necessitates a balance between anticipating the benefits and adhering to safety instructions to avoid the dangers associated with flash floods and strong downdrafts.
