Today's weather forecast: Thunderstorms and strong winds in Saudi Arabia
The National Center for Meteorology, in its daily report, revealed details of weather conditions for Thursday across various regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, noting the continuation of the weather fluctuations characteristic of this transitional period. The center predicted the continued formation of thunderstorms accompanied by active winds that will stir up dust and sand, potentially leading to reduced horizontal visibility in large parts of the Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, Makkah, and Madinah regions.
General context and the importance of following weather reports
These reports are of paramount importance given the Kingdom's vast geographical diversity, where mountainous and coastal regions are affected by different weather systems. This weather pattern is typical for this time of year, with humid air currents from the Red Sea contributing to atmospheric instability. Authorities consistently emphasize the need to monitor current weather forecasts, especially for those traveling on highways and in open areas, to ensure public safety and avoid risks associated with flash floods or poor visibility.
Weather details and affected areas
The report indicated that there remains a chance of scattered rainfall, which may be thundery at times, in parts of northern and central Saudi Arabia. The center also warned of the possibility of dense fog forming during the early morning and late night hours in parts of these regions, as well as parts of the Eastern Province, urging caution while driving.
The state of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
Regarding the sea conditions, the Red Sea northwesterly to northerly surface winds in its northern and central parts, while in the southern part it is experiencing southeasterly to southwesterly winds with speeds reaching 50 km/h accompanied by thunderstorms. Wave heights range from half a meter to one and a half meters, and may exceed two meters in the south, resulting in a moderate to rough sea state.
As for the Arabian Gulf , the surface winds are westerly to northwesterly at a speed ranging from 10 to 30 km/h, with wave heights from half a meter to a meter, and a light sea state, making it suitable for normal marine activities.
Special alerts for the Makkah region
In a related development, the center issued a special alert for the Makkah region, forecasting light to moderate rainfall. This weather pattern is expected to begin at 1:00 PM and continue into the early evening (between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM). The alert covers the governorates of Al-Ardiyat, Al-Lith, Al-Qunfudhah, Adham, Maysan, and Taif. These rains will be accompanied by strong surface winds, reduced visibility, and the possibility of thunderstorms, necessitating residents to stay away from valleys and floodplains.
