Thunderstorms expected across parts of the Kingdom: Saudi Arabia weather forecast from Friday to Tuesday
Saudi Arabia is expected to experience significant weather fluctuations in the coming days. The National Center for Meteorology has announced forecasts of thunderstorms across the Kingdom, beginning tomorrow, Friday, April 24, and continuing until Tuesday, April 28. These storms will range in intensity from moderate to heavy, affecting a wide geographical area and accompanied by various weather phenomena such as dust storms, flash floods, hail, and high waves along the coasts.
The nature of the spring climate and weather fluctuations in the Arabian Peninsula
Historically, spring in the Arabian Peninsula, particularly April, is known as a transitional period characterized by what are locally known as "Sarayat" or spring weather disturbances. These conditions arise from the convergence of warm, humid air masses from the south with cold air masses from the north. This temperature contrast leads to the formation of dense cumulonimbus clouds. This time of year is crucial for the local climate, as the spring rains help to moderate the weather before the onset of the hot summer and replenish vegetation in desert and pastoral areas.
Expected impact of weather conditions on vital sectors
Rainfall at this time of year is of paramount importance and has a broad positive impact locally. Environmentally and agriculturally, this rain contributes to raising groundwater levels and replenishing dams across the country, thus supporting the agricultural sector and enhancing the Kingdom's water security. On a daily basis, however, these changes require citizens and residents to exercise caution, as heavy rainfall and flash floods can disrupt traffic and land transport. This necessitates the activation of emergency plans by relevant authorities and civil defense to ensure everyone's safety and minimize any potential damage to infrastructure.
Detailed map of thunderstorm rainfall across the Kingdom's regions
The National Center for Meteorology detailed the expected rainfall, stating that the Hail region will be affected by moderate to heavy rain, including the city of Hail and the governorates of Al-Ghazalah, Ash-Shamli, Al-Hait, Ash-Shanan, Baqaa, Samira, and Muwaqq, from Friday, April 24th to Sunday, April 26th, with the heaviest rainfall expected on Friday and Saturday. In the Qassim region, rain is expected in Ash-Shamasiyah, Al-Muthnib, Al-Bukayriyah, Buraydah, Unayzah, and other areas until Monday, April 27th.
The Riyadh region is experiencing moderate to heavy rainfall in the capital, Hawtat Bani Tamim, Ad-Diriyah, and Al-Muzahmiyah until Monday, extending to Al-Majma'ah, Az-Zulfi, Ad-Dawadimi, and Shaqra until Tuesday, April 28. The Makkah region (Turbah, Al-Khurmah, Taif, Maysan) and the Madinah region (Al-Mahd, Al-Hanakiya, Khaybar) will also be affected by similar rainfall, intensifying over the weekend.
The weather system extends to the northern border region (Tarif, Arar, Rafha) and the Al-Jawf region (Qurayyat, Sakaka). In the south, Al-Baha, Asir (Abha, Khamis Mushait, Al-Namas), and Jazan (Fayfa, Al-Ardah) are experiencing heavy rainfall that will continue until Tuesday. The Eastern Province (Dammam, Jubail, Hafr Al-Batin), Najran, and Tabuk are also affected by varying amounts of rainfall, ranging from light to moderate.
Weather warnings and public safety guidelines
The center warned that the weather conditions include strong downdrafts that could exceed 60 kilometers per hour, leading to dust storms and reduced horizontal visibility. It also cautioned about the possibility of tornadoes or waterspouts forming in some coastal areas. Initial forecasts indicate continued chances of rainfall until the end of next week, with officials emphasizing the need to stay updated on the latest reports and to avoid floodplains and wadis to ensure safety.
