Today's weather forecast (Friday): Rain and dust in 10 regions of Saudi Arabia

The National Center for Meteorology in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia issued its daily report on the weather on Friday , revealing significant weather fluctuations including thunderstorms and surface wind activity that stirs up dust and sand across large parts of the Kingdom, which calls for caution and vigilance on the part of citizens and residents.

Rain and wind forecasts for the regions

According to the weather forecast, there remains a chance of thunderstorms accompanied by active winds that will reduce horizontal visibility over parts of the southwestern and western highlands. This weather pattern includes the regions of Jazan, Asir, and Al-Baha of the Makkah region . These areas, due to their mountainous terrain, often experience the formation of cumulonimbus clouds during these periods, leading to rainfall of varying intensity.

Conversely, the center warned of the impact of active surface winds stirring up dust and sand, leading to reduced horizontal visibility, especially on highways and in open areas. This warning includes the eastern parts of the aforementioned highlands, as well as large parts of the Riyadh, Madinah, Qassim, Hail, Al-Jawf, and Northern Borders regions . The report also indicated the possibility of light rain in the northernmost parts of the Kingdom.

Climate context and the importance of warnings

These weather fluctuations are part of the transitional climate the Kingdom experiences at this time of year, where different air masses interact, causing atmospheric instability. These reports are of paramount importance for the safety of road users and travelers between regions, as dust and sandstorms are major factors affecting traffic flow.

The National Center of Meteorology continuously monitors these changes using the latest weather monitoring and satellite technologies, with the aim of providing accurate information that contributes to protecting lives and property, and helps the concerned authorities to take the necessary measures.

State of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf

Regarding the maritime situation, the report provided the following details:

Red Sea

• Surface winds: They will be northwesterly to northerly on the northern and central parts at a speed of 15-30 km/h, and will turn southeasterly to easterly on the southern part at a speed of 12-32 km/h. Wind speeds may reach 50 km/h with the formation of thunderclouds.
• Wave height: It ranges from half a meter to one and a half meters, and may exceed two meters in the southern part during thunderstorms.
• Sea state: Light to moderate waves, becoming rough in the southern part.

Arabian Gulf

• Surface winds: Northwesterly to northerly winds with speeds ranging from 15-38 km/h.
• Wave height: The wave height ranges from half a meter to one and a half meters.
• Sea conditions: described as light to moderate waves.