Monday's weather details in Saudi Arabia: Rain and snow expected

The National Center for Meteorology announced details of Monday's weather in Saudi Arabia, warning of significant weather fluctuations including moderate to heavy thunderstorms. This weather pattern will be accompanied by active winds that will stir up dust and sand, potentially reducing horizontal visibility in several areas. The report also did not rule out the possibility of snowfall in some northern highlands, reflecting the diverse geographical climate the Kingdom experiences during winter.

According to the official statement issued by the Meteorology Department, forecasts indicate continued thunderstorms that may lead to flash floods, accompanied by hail. This weather pattern will affect large parts of the Eastern Province, Riyadh, Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir, Jazan, and Najran. The effects of these fluctuations will also extend to parts of Al-Qassim, Hail, Madinah, Tabuk, Al-Jawf, and the Northern Borders regions, with a high probability of dense fog during the early morning and late night hours. Regarding temperatures and the cold weather, light snowfall is possible in parts of the Tabuk highlands, specifically in Jabal Al-Lawz, Al-Aqan, and Al-Dahr.

Winter climate and the history of weather changes in the Kingdom

The climatic changes the Kingdom is experiencing during this time of year are part of the usual seasonal pattern, as winter in the Arabian Peninsula is characterized by significant temperature variations across different regions. Historically, the northern highlands, such as Jabal al-Lawz in Tabuk, have recorded annual snowfall that attracts thousands of visitors, while the central, eastern, and western regions experience varying levels of rainfall. These weather patterns are due to the convergence of cold air masses from the north with warm, humid low-pressure systems, creating the atmospheric instability that characterizes Monday's weather in Saudi Arabia and other cold winter days.

Expected effects of the rainy weather on public life

These weather changes are of great importance and have tangible impacts at both the local and regional levels. Locally, the heavy rainfall and resulting flash floods contribute to replenishing groundwater and revitalizing vegetation, thus supporting the agricultural sector and natural pastures upon which many depend. However, these conditions necessitate the utmost caution from citizens and residents, especially those traveling on highways and in low-lying areas, to avoid the risks of flash floods and reduced visibility due to fog and dust. Regionally, monitoring these weather systems is vital to ensuring the safety of air and sea navigation in the region.

Navigation conditions in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf

Regarding the state of maritime navigation, the National Center of Meteorology provided detailed instructions to ensure the safety of seafarers:

Red Sea

• Surface winds: Northerly to northeasterly at speeds of 10 to 30 km/h in the northern part. Southerly to southeasterly at speeds of 15 to 40 km/h in the central and southern parts, with speeds potentially exceeding 50 km/h during thunderstorms.
• Wave height: from half a meter to one and a half meters, and may exceed two meters in areas of thunderstorms.
• Sea state: Light to moderate waves, occasionally becoming rough with the formation of rain-bearing thunderclouds.

Arabian Gulf

• Surface winds: Southerly to southeasterly at speeds ranging from 12 to 35 km/h, reaching more than 50 km/h with rain-bearing thunderstorms.
• Wave height: from half a meter to one and a half meters, and it reaches more than two meters with the formation of thunderclouds.
• Sea state: Light to moderate waves, becoming rough with the formation of rain-bearing thunderclouds.