Saudi Arabia weather forecast for today, Sunday
In a new update reflecting the ongoing weather fluctuations, the National Center for Meteorology revealed details of the expected weather conditions in Saudi Arabia for Sunday. According to the official report, moderate to heavy thunderstorms are expected, which may lead to flash flooding in valleys and low-lying areas. This rainy weather will be accompanied by hail, requiring citizens and residents to exercise extreme caution.
Areas covered by weather warnings
The report indicated that this unstable weather pattern will affect large parts of the Kingdom, including the Eastern Province, the Northern Borders, Qassim, Hail, Tabuk, Madinah, Riyadh, Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir, and Jazan. Simultaneously, the impact of active surface winds stirring up dust and sand will continue, potentially leading to near-zero horizontal visibility in parts of these regions, as well as parts of Al-Jawf and Najran.
Maritime navigation situation: Red Sea and Arabian Gulf
- Red Sea: Surface winds will be westerly to northwesterly at speeds of 15-31 km/h in the northern and central parts, and southeasterly to southerly at speeds of 21-42 km/h in the southern part. Wave heights will range from half a meter to one and a half meters in the north and central parts, and from one to two meters in the south, resulting in a slight to moderate sea state.
- Arabian Gulf: Surface winds will be southeasterly to southwesterly at a speed of (13-26) km/h, wave height from half a meter to a meter, and the sea state will be slight.
The historical and geographical context of the Kingdom's climate
Historically, the Arabian Peninsula is known for its arid desert climate and intense summer heat. However, seasonal transitions often bring periods of atmospheric instability. These instability arises from the convergence of cold air masses with warm, moist air masses, generating cumulonimbus clouds that produce sudden and heavy rainfall. Throughout its history, the Kingdom has experienced numerous instances of torrential rains leading to flash floods, prompting authorities to construct massive dams and develop advanced infrastructure for rainwater drainage and its utilization to replenish groundwater reserves.
The importance of weather forecasts and their local and regional impact
The National Center of Meteorology's reports are of paramount importance locally, playing a vital role in protecting lives and property. Critical sectors such as traffic, civil defense, and education rely on these reports to make proactive decisions, such as suspending in-person classes in case of danger, or issuing traffic safety guidelines to avoid accidents caused by poor visibility due to dust or slippery conditions due to rain.
Regionally and internationally, these weather fluctuations come amid growing global concern about climate change. Reliable scientific studies have proven that global warming leads to more extreme weather events, making thunderstorms and dust storms more frequent and intense, even in desert regions. This reality highlights the role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in its pioneering environmental initiatives, such as the "Saudi Green Initiative," which aims to plant billions of trees to increase vegetation cover. This directly contributes to reducing sandstorms, moderating the local climate, and supporting international efforts to combat climate change.
