Today's weather: Thunderstorms and flash floods hit several regions in Saudi Arabia
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued its daily weather for Tuesday, indicating that the unstable weather conditions affecting large parts of the Kingdom will continue. The report forecasts moderate to heavy thunderstorms, which may lead to flash floods in valleys and ravines, accompanied by hail and strong winds that could stir up dust and sand, urging caution.
Areas affected by the rainy weather
The report indicated that the weather conditions will be concentrated primarily in parts of Jazan, Asir, Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and the Northern Borders region, where the heaviest rainfall is expected. Meanwhile, parts of Al-Jawf, Hail, Qassim, Makkah, Al-Baha, and Najran regions will experience light to moderate rain, with a high probability of fog formation that could reduce horizontal visibility, especially in the early morning hours and on highways.
The state of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
Regarding the maritime situation, the center noted wave disturbances in both the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf as a result of thunderstorms:
- Red Sea: Surface winds are noticeably active, blowing from the northwest to the north in the northern and central parts, and from the southeast to the north in the southern part, with speeds exceeding 60 km/h accompanied by thunderstorms. Wave heights range from one to two meters, potentially exceeding two and a half meters in the southern part, resulting in rough sea conditions.
- Arabian Gulf: The winds will be northeasterly to northwesterly and will also reach speeds of more than 60 km/h when thunderclouds form, with wave heights reaching more than two and a half meters, which will turn the sea state from light to rough.
Context of the weather situation and the importance of warnings
These weather fluctuations are part of the seasonal transitions the Kingdom experiences, during which the region is affected by low-pressure systems that contribute to the formation of cumulonimbus clouds and rainfall. This situation is particularly significant given the topography of areas like Asir and Jazan, where the mountains increase the likelihood of rapid flash flooding, while rainfall in the central and eastern regions may lead to water accumulation within cities.
Experts and relevant authorities consistently advise staying away from floodplains and wadis, and not attempting to cross them while they are flowing. Drivers are also advised to exercise extreme caution due to slippery roads and reduced visibility caused by dust and fog associated with this weather condition, and to stay updated on weather to ensure public safety.
