The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia has released details of the expected weather conditions for today, Saturday, indicating that weather fluctuations will continue to affect large areas of the Kingdom. The report included important warnings for citizens and residents regarding thunderstorms of varying intensity and surface wind activity that may reduce horizontal visibility in several regions.
Rainfall and active wind map
According to the meteorological statement, today's weather is characterized by strong winds that are stirring up dust and sand, necessitating caution while driving on highways and open roads. These winds will affect large parts of the Madinah, Tabuk, Al-Jawf, Northern Borders, Hail, and Qassim regions, and will also extend to the northern parts of the Riyadh region.
Regarding the chances of rainfall, the center explained that there remains a possibility of light to moderate thunderstorms in parts of the Northern and Eastern Borders regions. Light rain is also expected in parts of the Madinah, Makkah, Al-Baha, and Asir regions, with the potential for fog during the early morning and late night hours in some of these areas. This underscores the importance of adhering to traffic safety guidelines.
State of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
The coasts also experienced weather disturbances, with details of wave and wind movement as follows:
- Red Sea: Northwesterly to northeasterly surface winds prevail over the northern and central parts, reaching speeds of up to 50 km/h, while southwesterly to southeasterly winds prevail over the southern part. Wave heights reach over 2.5 meters in some areas, creating rough sea conditions and requiring caution from fishermen and other seafarers.
- Arabian Gulf: Wind speeds will range from 20 to 48 km/h, shifting to northwesterly in the evening. Wave height will be moderate in the northern part and light in other areas.
The climatic context and the importance of weather monitoring
These forecasts are part of the ongoing monitoring conducted by the National Center for Meteorology to track climate changes in the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia's diverse topography means that weather can vary drastically from one region to another at the same time; northern regions may experience cold spells and rain, while coastal areas will be characterized by high humidity, and central regions by dust storms.
This accurate monitoring is a crucial part of the public safety system, as relevant authorities such as civil defense and traffic police rely on it to issue proactive warnings. These reports are particularly important during seasonal transitions, when sudden weather changes are common and can affect air and sea navigation, as well as land transport.
Recommendations and expected effects
Given the current weather conditions, experts advise closely monitoring weather forecasts, especially for those traveling by road between areas experiencing wind and dust storms. Individuals with respiratory conditions and asthma are also advised to take necessary precautions in areas with heavy dust. Official authorities consistently emphasize the importance of staying away from wadis and floodplains in areas experiencing rainfall, even light rain, to ensure everyone's safety.
