Friday's weather in Saudi Arabia: Thunderstorm and flash flood warnings

The National Center for Meteorology announced details of the weather conditions for Friday in Saudi Arabia, issuing important warnings to citizens and residents about significant weather fluctuations. The forecast includes thunderstorms and flash floods that could directly affect large parts of seven major regions. These warnings come as part of the relevant authorities' commitment to public safety and to avoiding the risks resulting from the rapid weather changes the region is experiencing.

Friday's weather details and rainfall distribution across the Kingdom's regions

According to the official statement issued by the Meteorology Department, the chance of thunderstorms ranging from moderate to heavy remains high on Friday. These storms are expected to cause flash flooding in valleys and ravines, accompanied by hail and active surface winds that may stir up dust and reduce horizontal visibility. This weather pattern will affect parts of the Najran, Jazan, Asir, and Al-Baha regions, extending to the eastern parts of the Makkah region, as well as the southern parts of the Riyadh and Eastern regions. Thunderstorms with rain and active winds are also possible in parts of the Hail, Al-Jawf, and Northern Borders regions.

The volatile climate: The historical record of rainfall in Saudi Arabia

Historically, Saudi Arabia experiences sharp weather fluctuations during seasonal transitions, as the climate of the Arabian Peninsula is known for its occasional extremes. The southwestern and western highlands are among the most vulnerable to heavy rainfall and flash floods due to their mountainous terrain, which plays a pivotal role in the formation of thunderclouds. The Kingdom's climate records over the past decades have documented similar events that led to the overflowing of major wadis, reflecting the dynamic nature of the region's weather. These climatic patterns are not new; rather, they are part of the natural cycle that contributes to groundwater replenishment and the renewal of vegetation in the desert and semi-desert environments.

Expected impacts of weather fluctuations on infrastructure and society

These weather changes are of great importance and have multiple impacts at the local level. On the one hand, the rainfall contributes to supporting the agricultural sector and increasing water levels in dams, thus enhancing the Kingdom's water security. On the other hand, these conditions necessitate a state of alert by the General Directorate of Civil Defense and relevant authorities to deal with any emergencies that may affect infrastructure, such as water accumulation on roads or disruptions to some services. This situation also affects traffic, with continuous warnings issued to drivers to exercise caution, reduce speed, and stay away from valleys and areas of water accumulation to ensure their safety.

Maritime navigation conditions in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf

Regarding the marine situation, the National Center of Meteorology provided detailed information of interest to fishermen and seafarers to ensure their safety:

• Red Sea: Surface winds will be northwesterly to northerly at speeds ranging from 12 to 38 km/h. Wave heights will range from half a meter to one and a half meters, resulting in a slight to moderate sea state.
• Arabian Gulf: Surface winds will be northeasterly to northerly in the northern part, and easterly to northeasterly in the central and southern parts, with speeds of 10-32 km/h, potentially exceeding 45 km/h with the formation of rain-bearing thunderstorms in the southern part. Wave heights will range from half a meter to one and a half meters, and may exceed two meters in the southern parts during thunderstorms, resulting in rough sea conditions in those areas.