Weather forecast for Eid days in Saudi Arabia: Thunderstorms and fluctuations
The National Center for Meteorology has released its detailed weather forecast for the Eid holidays, warning that most regions of Saudi Arabia will be affected by thunderstorms with varying intensity, ranging from moderate to heavy. According to the report issued by the center's General Directorate of Weather and Climate Forecasts, these weather fluctuations will begin on Wednesday, March 18, and continue until Monday, March 23, urging caution.
The nature of the spring climate and typical weather fluctuations
Historically, seasonal transitions, particularly at the beginning of spring, are known for their sharp and rapid weather fluctuations in the Arabian Peninsula, a period known locally as the "Sarayat" season. This period is characterized by the formation of dense cumulonimbus clouds that bring sudden downpours accompanied by strong downdrafts. This weather pattern is a continuation of the usual climatic patterns for this time of year, where warm and cold air masses intersect, creating atmospheric instability that affects vast areas of the Kingdom.
Rainfall map and affected areas
The report indicated that the rainy weather system will begin impacting the northern regions of the Kingdom, with moderate to heavy rainfall expected in the Tabuk region (including Tayma, Haql, Al-Bada, Neom, Duba, Al-Wajh, and Umluj) on Wednesday and Thursday, followed by light to moderate rain on Saturday, March 21. The system will also affect the Al-Jawf region (Qurayyat, Tabarjal, Dumat Al-Jandal, and Sakaka) and the Northern Borders region (Turaif, Arar, Rafha, and Al-Uwayqilah) with heavy rain on Wednesday and Thursday, continuing with light rain on Saturday and Sunday.
In the west and south of the Kingdom, the Madinah region (Wadi Al-Fara, Badr, Yanbu, Al-Ais, Al-Ula, Khaybar, Al-Hanakiya, and Al-Mahd) is experiencing heavy rainfall. In the Makkah region, the Holy City, Al-Kamil, Al-Jumum, Khulais, and Bahrah are affected by moderate to heavy rain on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, while Jeddah and Rabigh are experiencing light to moderate rain. This weather pattern extends to Taif, Maysan, Adham, Al-Ardiyat, Turabah, Al-Muwayh, Al-Khurmah, and Ranyah until Monday, March 23. The Al-Baha, Asir (Abha, Khamis Mushait, Al-Namas, Bisha, and Tathlith), Jazan, and Najran regions are also affected by heavy rain throughout the reporting period.
In the central and eastern regions of the Kingdom, light to moderate rain is expected in the Riyadh region (Riyadh, Al-Dilam, Al-Muzahmiya, Shaqra, Al-Zulfi, Al-Majma'ah, Al-Dawadmi, Al-Quway'iyah, Wadi Al-Dawasir, and Al-Aflaj), potentially becoming heavy on Thursday and Friday. Heavy rain is also expected in the Hail and Qassim regions, while the Eastern Province (Hafar Al-Batin, Al-Khafji, Dammam, Jubail, Qatif, Al-Khobar, Al-Ahsa, and Abqaiq) will experience varying intensities of rain from Thursday to Monday.
The impact of Eid weather on travel and events
is The weather during the Eid holidays of paramount importance, coinciding with the holiday period and the increased travel between cities across the Kingdom, whether for family visits or domestic tourism. Heavy rainfall and flash floods necessitate that travelers on highways plan their journeys carefully and avoid valleys and areas prone to flooding. On the other hand, these rains have a significant positive impact on the agricultural sector and vegetation, contributing to the irrigation of farms and the replenishment of groundwater, which in turn promotes the flourishing of natural pastures in the following weeks.
Classification of rainfall intensity and associated phenomena
The report provided a detailed classification of rainfall intensity. Light rainfall ranged from 1 to 4 millimeters per hour, accompanied by downdrafts reaching speeds of up to 50 kilometers per hour, causing dust storms. Moderate rainfall (5 to 9 millimeters per hour) was accompanied by winds of up to 60 kilometers per hour, with flash floods and hail. Heavy rainfall ranged from 10 to 50 millimeters per hour or more, accompanied by winds exceeding 60 kilometers per hour, flash floods, heavy hail, high waves, and the possibility of tornadoes in some severe cases.
In conclusion, the National Center for Meteorology stressed the need to follow updates and warnings through its website, the “Anwaa” application, and its official accounts, while fully adhering to the instructions of the Civil Defense and the competent authorities to ensure everyone’s safety during this holiday.
