Thunderstorms and strong winds hit parts of Saudi Arabia | Today's weather
The National Center for Meteorology issued its daily weather forecast for Saudi Arabia, warning of thunderstorms and strong winds that will stir up dust and sand across large parts of the country. This forecast advises citizens and residents to take precautions, especially in areas expected to experience significant weather fluctuations. There remains a chance of hail, necessitating continuous monitoring of weather reports to ensure public safety.
The weather forecast indicates that several key regions will be affected by this rainy weather system, with thunderstorms expected to be concentrated over parts of the Eastern Province, Riyadh, Qassim, Madinah, Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir, Jazan, and Najran. This wide geographical distribution reflects the nature of the climatic changes that the Arabian Peninsula experiences during the transitional periods between seasons.
Climate effects: How do thunderstorms and active winds form in the Kingdom?
Historically, the Arabian Peninsula is known for its periods of atmospheric instability during certain seasons, known locally as the "Marawih" or "Sarayat" seasons. During these periods, warm, humid air masses from the Arabian Sea or the Red Sea collide with cold air masses, leading to the formation of massive cumulonimbus clouds. This natural phenomenon is directly responsible for thunderstorms and strong winds, which in turn contribute to the regeneration of vegetation in desert and mountainous regions and replenish groundwater sources upon which many provinces depend.
The environmental and economic importance of current weather fluctuations
These rains and winds have significant impacts at both the local and regional levels. Locally, the rains improve air quality after periods of sandstorms and greatly support the agricultural sector, particularly in regions like Qassim, Asir, and Al-Baha, which rely on rainwater for seasonal agriculture. Regionally, the continued rainfall strengthens the balance of the region's ecosystem and reduces desertification rates. However, the strong winds and reduced horizontal visibility necessitate close coordination between traffic authorities and civil defense to minimize traffic accidents and ensure the smooth flow of commercial and logistical transport.
Maritime navigation conditions in the Red Sea
Regarding maritime traffic, the report indicated that surface winds over the Red Sea will be northwesterly to northerly in the northern and central parts, and southerly to southeasterly in the southern part. Wind speeds will range from 10 to 35 kilometers per hour, potentially reaching 48 kilometers per hour towards the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Wave heights are expected to range from half a meter to one and a half meters, potentially reaching two meters towards the strait, resulting in calm to moderate sea conditions, a crucial factor for commercial vessels and fishing boats.
Arabian Gulf forecast and the impact of thunderstorms
On the other hand, the Arabian Gulf is experiencing northerly to northwesterly surface winds with speeds ranging from 20 to 45 kilometers per hour, potentially gusting up to 50 kilometers per hour with the formation of rain-bearing thunderstorms over the northern and central parts. Meanwhile, the winds are northwesterly to westerly over the southern part. Wave heights are expected to reach 1 to 1.5 meters, and up to 2.5 meters in areas affected by thunderstorms, creating rough sea conditions in those areas and requiring extreme caution from those at sea.
Special alerts for the Eastern Province and Al-Ahsa
In a related development, the National Center for Meteorology issued special alerts for the Eastern Province, forecasting light to moderate rainfall starting at 2:00 PM and continuing until 11:00 PM, particularly affecting the Al-Ahsa and Abqaiq governorates. This weather system will be accompanied by active winds that will reduce horizontal visibility, as well as the possibility of thunderstorms. Official authorities urge all residents to stay away from wadis and water accumulations to ensure their safety during this period.
