The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia, in its daily weather revealed forecasts indicating significant weather fluctuations affecting several regions of the Kingdom. This report comes as part of the ongoing monitoring of weather conditions to ensure the safety of citizens and residents and to alert them to rapidly changing weather patterns.
Lower temperatures and dust
The report indicated that weather maps show a noticeable drop in temperatures, accompanied by increased surface wind activity. This wind activity will not be fleeting; rather, it is expected to significantly reduce horizontal visibility, necessitating caution, especially for those using highways and open roads. This weather pattern is particularly concentrated in parts of the Tabuk, Al-Jawf, and Northern Borders .
In a related context, the effects of active winds that stir up dust and sand extend to parts of the Riyadh, Qassim and Eastern regions , which may affect air quality and visibility levels in those vital areas.
Chance of rain and fog
The weather report not only warned of wind and dust but also indicated a chance of scattered light rain. This forecast includes parts of the previously mentioned regions (Riyadh, Qassim, and the Eastern Province), in addition to extending the rain to the mountainous areas of Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir, and Jazan . The center also noted the possibility of fog forming during the night and early morning hours in parts of the highlands of these regions, making it essential to drive with caution.
State of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
Regarding the marine conditions, which are of interest to fishermen and seafarers, the report detailed the movement of winds and waves as follows:
- The Red Sea: Northwesterly to northerly surface winds are expected in the northern and central parts at speeds of 25-55 km/h, while in the southern part, the winds will be northwesterly, shifting to southeasterly at night at speeds of 12-32 km/h. Wave heights will range from 1.5 to 2.5 meters in the north and central regions, resulting in moderate to rough sea conditions, while the sea will be slight to moderate in the south.
- Arabian Gulf: Winds will be westerly to southwesterly, shifting to southeasterly and then easterly at night, with speeds of 10-25 km/h in the north, and northwesterly to southwesterly at speeds of 10-32 km/h in the central and southern regions. Wave heights will be slight to moderate, ranging between half a meter and one and a half meters.
The importance of following weather forecasts
These reports are of paramount importance given the vast geographical diversity of Saudi Arabia, where weather phenomena can vary from region to region at the same time. It is always advisable to follow the continuous updates from the National Center of Meteorology and to adhere to the instructions of the Civil Defense, especially in areas experiencing heavy dust or the potential for flash floods due to rainfall, to ensure public safety.
