Friday's weather in Saudi Arabia: Thunderstorms and flash floods hit 9 regions

0 0 2 minutes

The National Center for Meteorology announced details of Friday's weather in Saudi Arabia, warning of significant weather fluctuations, including thunderstorms of varying intensity across large parts of the Kingdom. These forecasts come as part of ongoing monitoring of the weather situation, with relevant authorities urging citizens and residents to take precautions and follow official guidelines to ensure public safety during this period of rapidly changing weather conditions.

Friday's weather details in Saudi Arabia and affected areas

According to the official statement issued by the Meteorology Department, the chance of thunderstorms ranging from moderate to heavy remains, which may lead to flash floods in valleys and ravines. This rainy weather will be accompanied by hail showers in parts of nine major regions, including Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, Makkah, Madinah, Hail, Qassim, and Riyadh, with its effects later extending to the northern parts of the Eastern Province. Simultaneously, active surface winds will continue to stir up dust and sand, reducing horizontal visibility in parts of these regions, as well as parts of Al-Jawf and the Northern Borders region.

Climatic context and weather fluctuations in the Arabian Peninsula

Historically, Saudi Arabia experiences sharp weather fluctuations during seasonal transitions, as warm, humid air masses from the Arabian Sea and dynamic low-pressure systems collide with cold air masses. This typical climatic interaction at this time of year leads to the formation of dense cumulonimbus clouds and thunderstorms. The National Center of Meteorology continuously monitors these climatic changes with high precision using the latest radar and satellite technologies, as part of the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to develop an early warning system to mitigate the risks of natural disasters and protect lives and property.

Expected impact of the weather conditions at the local and regional levels

These weather changes are of great importance and have multifaceted impacts. Locally, heavy rainfall and flash floods contribute to replenishing groundwater and revitalizing the agricultural sector, which is heavily reliant on rainwater in some areas, thus supporting vegetation cover and mitigating desertification. However, the intensity of the rainfall necessitates mobilization by civil defense teams and municipal authorities to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and prevent water accumulation on vital roads. Regionally, the movement of weather systems affecting the Kingdom often extends their impact to neighboring Gulf countries, requiring continuous coordination among regional meteorological centers to ensure the safety of air and land navigation throughout the region.

Maritime navigation situation: Red Sea and Arabian Gulf

Given the importance of maritime navigation and fishing activity, the report detailed the state of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf to guide seafarers:

Red Sea

Surface winds: Northwesterly to northerly at speeds ranging from 20 to 40 km/h in the northern and central parts, and reaching up to 50 km/h towards the Gulf of Aqaba. In the southern part, the speed will be between 12 and 30 km/h.
Wave height: from one to two meters on the northern and central parts, reaching more than two meters towards the Gulf of Aqaba, and from half a meter to one and a half meters on the southern part.
Sea state: Moderate waves on the northern and central parts, reaching rough towards the Gulf of Aqaba, and light to moderate waves on the southern part.

Arabian Gulf

Surface winds: Northwesterly to northerly at 15-40 km/h in the northern and central parts, reaching over 50 km/h with the formation of rain-bearing thunderstorms in the northern part. Northwesterly to southwesterly at 12-35 km/h in the southern part.
Wave height: from half a meter to one and a half meters, reaching two and a half meters with the formation of rain-bearing thunderclouds over the northern part.
Sea state: Light to moderate waves, becoming rough with the formation of rain-bearing thunderclouds over the northern part.