Saudi Arabia weather today: Thunderstorms and flash floods in Riyadh and other areas
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued weather for Tuesday, indicating that the unstable weather conditions affecting large parts of the Kingdom will continue. The report included warnings of moderate to heavy thunderstorms, which could lead to flash floods in valleys and ravines, accompanied by hail and strong winds that may stir up dust and sand, particularly in parts of the Jazan, Asir, Riyadh, Eastern Province, and Northern Borders regions.
Weather details and affected areas
The center explained in its statement that the rainy conditions are not limited to the aforementioned areas, but extend to parts of Al-Jawf, Hail, Al-Qassim, Makkah, Al-Baha, and Najran, where light to moderate rainfall is expected. The center also warned of the possibility of dense fog forming during the night and early morning hours in parts of these regions, urging caution while driving on highways and open roads.
The state of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
Regarding the marine conditions, the report noted a disturbance in wave movement:
- Red Sea: Surface winds are noticeably active, blowing from the northwest to the north in the northern and central parts, and from the southeast to the north in the southern part, with speeds exceeding 60 km/h and the formation of thunderstorms. Wave heights are expected to reach over 2.5 meters in the southern part, creating rough sea conditions.
- The Arabian Gulf: Northeasterly to northwesterly winds prevail, reaching speeds of more than 60 km/h when thunderstorms are present, with wave heights exceeding two and a half meters, turning the sea state from moderate to rough.
The geographical and climatic context of the Kingdom
These weather fluctuations are a consequence of the diverse geography of Saudi Arabia, characterized by its vast area and varied topography. While coastal regions are affected by high humidity and sea breezes, the central and northern regions experience temperature variations and air currents that contribute to the formation of cumulonimbus clouds. The southwestern highlands (such as Asir, Jazan, and Al-Baha) are among the areas most likely to receive rainfall due to their mountainous terrain, which acts as a barrier against moist winds. This explains the more frequent warnings of flash floods in these areas compared to others.
The importance of warnings and the impact of weather conditions
This weather pattern has dual impacts, both locally and environmentally. On the one hand, these rains represent a vital source of groundwater and dam reservoirs, crucial for the Kingdom's desert and semi-desert environment, promising a bountiful spring season for pastures and livestock. On the other hand, the heavy rainfall poses challenges to public safety, particularly in areas lacking developed drainage networks or those near wadis (valleys).
The National Center for Meteorology’s reports are usually accompanied by calls from the General Directorate of Civil Defense for citizens and residents to stay away from areas where torrents, water swamps, and valleys gather, and not to risk crossing valleys while they are flowing, in order to ensure public safety and reduce the risks resulting from these natural weather fluctuations.
