Friday's weather in Saudi Arabia: Heavy thunderstorms hit 4 regions

The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia released its daily weather report for Friday, forecasting moderate to heavy thunderstorms across several regions. The center warned citizens and residents of severe weather fluctuations that could lead to flash floods and hail, accompanied by strong surface winds that may stir up dust and sand.

The areas most affected by Friday's weather fluctuations in Saudi Arabia

The report indicated a high probability of heavy thunderstorms leading to flash floods and overflowing wadis, accompanied by hail and strong winds that will reduce horizontal visibility. This weather pattern is concentrated over the highlands of four main regions: Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, and Makkah. These warnings come in the context of seasonal climate changes affecting the western and southwestern highlands of the Kingdom, which are often impacted by humid monsoon winds originating from the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea during this time of year.

Environmental and local impact of the monsoon rain phenomenon

Historically, summer and autumn rains in the southwestern highlands of the Kingdom have been a vital source of groundwater, supporting the agricultural sector in regions like Jazan and Asir, renowned for their fertile terraced fields. However, the increased intensity of these rains and their transformation into flash floods in recent years poses significant challenges to infrastructure and residential areas near wadis (valleys). Locally, relevant authorities, such as the Civil Defense, consistently urge caution and advise staying away from wadis and floodplains to ensure everyone's safety and prevent traffic accidents caused by landslides or poor visibility.

Dust storms and reduced visibility in other areas

In addition to the rain, strong winds stirring up dust and sand continue to affect parts of the Tabuk and Madinah regions. This effect extends to near-zero horizontal visibility in parts of the Eastern Province, particularly its southern areas (such as the Empty Quarter and border regions). This wind activity requires drivers on highways to exercise extreme caution and adhere to traffic regulations.

Maritime navigation conditions in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf

As for the sea conditions, the weather report detailed the movement of winds and waves as follows:

• Red Sea: Surface winds will be northwesterly to northerly at speeds of 15-34 km/h in the northern and central parts, and westerly to northwesterly at speeds of 10-23 km/h in the southern part. Wave heights will range from half a meter to one and a half meters in the northern and central parts, and from half a meter to one meter in the southern part, resulting in slight to moderate sea conditions.
• Arabian Gulf: Northwesterly to northerly surface winds will blow at 15-32 km/h in the northern part, and at 20-40 km/h in the central and southern parts. Wave heights will range from half a meter to one and a half meters in the north, reaching two meters in the central and southern parts, resulting in generally slight to moderate sea conditions.