Thunderstorms and strong winds: Weather details in Saudi Arabia
The National Center for Meteorology issued its comprehensive report detailing weather conditions for Wednesday across various regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The report forecasts continued thunderstorms ranging from moderate to heavy, potentially leading to flash floods, accompanied by hail in parts of the Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir, Jazan, and Najran regions. The effects of this weather system will also extend to parts of the Riyadh and Eastern regions, particularly their southern areas. Meanwhile, light rain is expected in parts of the Tabuk, Al-Jawf, Northern Borders, Hail, and Qassim regions. Simultaneously, surface winds will be active, stirring up dust and reducing horizontal visibility in parts of these regions, as well as the Madinah region.
The volatile climate: the nature of the atmosphere in the Arabian Peninsula
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is characterized by significant geographical and climatic diversity, which directly impacts its weather patterns. Historically, the transitional periods between seasons in the Arabian Peninsula are known for their sharp weather fluctuations, as warm, humid air masses from the Arabian Sea collide with cold air masses, resulting in the formation of dense cumulonimbus clouds and thunderstorms. These natural phenomena are not new to the region; rather, they are an essential part of the climatic cycle, contributing to the replenishment of groundwater resources and the flow of wadis (valleys). The National Center of Meteorology continuously monitors these changes using the latest satellite technologies to provide early and accurate warnings that help protect lives and property.
Climatic and economic impacts of weather fluctuations
These weather changes are of great importance and have multifaceted impacts. Locally, heavy rainfall plays a vital role in supporting the agricultural sector, enhancing vegetation cover, and combating desertification. However, strong winds and flash floods necessitate extreme caution to avoid traffic accidents or infrastructure disruptions. Regionally, wind activity and sea conditions directly affect maritime navigation and trade in vital waterways, requiring continuous coordination to ensure the safety of ships and maritime traffic.
Maritime navigation conditions in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
The report described the conditions in the Red Sea, noting that surface winds are northwesterly to northerly at speeds ranging from 20 to 48 km/h in the northern and central parts, and from 15 to 38 km/h in the southern part. Wave heights are expected to reach 1 to 2 meters in the north and central regions, and 0.5 to 1.5 meters in the south, resulting in a moderate to occasionally rough sea state.
In the Arabian Gulf, surface winds will be westerly to southwesterly at 15-30 km/h, gradually shifting to easterly and northeasterly in the northern part after noon. Wave height will range from half a meter to one and a half meters, resulting in a slight to moderate sea state, with the possibility of rough seas in the central and southern parts.
Red alert: Details of the weather conditions in the affected areas
The National Center of Meteorology has issued a "red alert" warning of heavy rainfall in three main areas, starting at noon and continuing until 9 pm. The accompanying effects include high-speed winds, reduced horizontal visibility, hail, flash floods, and thunderstorms. This weather event is concentrated in the following areas:
- Mecca: Maysan Governorate.
- Asir: Al-Amwah, Al-Arin, Tathlith, Tarib, Al-Harjah, Al-Rabou’ah, Al-Farshah, Sarat Abidah, and Dhahran Al-Janoub.
- Najran: Badr Al Janoub, Thar, Habuna, Khabash, Najran, and Yadma.
Official authorities and civil defense call on all citizens and residents to adhere to safety instructions and stay away from flood channels and valleys during rainfall to ensure their safety.
