Weather forecast for Saudi Arabia today, Friday: Rain, fog, and active winds
The National Center for Meteorology in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia issued its daily report on weather conditions in Saudi Arabia for this Friday, revealing weather fluctuations including thunderstorms, fog formation, and surface wind activity that stirs up dust and sand in large parts of the Kingdom, which calls for taking precautions.
Rainfall and active wind map
According to the meteorological statement, the chance of moderate to heavy thunderstorms, accompanied by hail, remains. This weather pattern will also include wind activity that may reduce horizontal visibility due to dust and sandstorms. This weather pattern is concentrated in parts of the following regions:
- Al-Baha region.
- Makkah region.
- Medina region.
- Hail region.
- Al-Qassim region.
- Riyadh region.
- The northern parts of the Eastern Province.
The report also indicated the continued chances of thunderstorms and rain over the southern and southwestern highlands, specifically over parts of the Jazan and Asir regions.
Warnings of fog and reduced visibility
In a related development, the center warned of the possibility of dense fog forming during the night and early morning hours, which could negatively impact horizontal visibility on highways and in open areas. The fog warning includes parts of areas experiencing rainfall, as well as parts of the Northern Borders and Al-Jawf .
Context of the weather situation and the importance of warnings
These weather fluctuations are part of the rainy periods the Kingdom experiences during the winter and spring transition seasons, as the Arabian Peninsula is affected by low-pressure systems that contribute to unstable weather. These reports are of paramount importance to those traveling on highways between cities, and relevant authorities, such as Civil Defense and Highway Patrol, urge citizens and residents to adhere to safety guidelines while driving in rainy or dusty conditions, and to stay away from floodplains and valleys in rainy areas.
State of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
Regarding the sea conditions, the report described the movement of waves and winds as follows:
- The Red Sea: Northwesterly to northerly surface winds are expected in the northern and central parts, while southeasterly to southwesterly winds are expected in the southern part, reaching speeds of up to 50 km/h with the formation of thunderstorms. Wave heights will range from one to two meters and may exceed this in the south, making the sea state occasionally rough.
- Arabian Gulf: Winds will be northwesterly to northeasterly, reaching speeds of up to 50 km/h with thunderstorms, and waves will rise to two meters, meaning a light to moderate sea state, reaching rough.
