Saturday's weather forecast: Thunderstorms and strong winds in Saudi Arabia

The National Center for Meteorology announced details of weather conditions for Saturday across various regions of Saudi Arabia, warning citizens and residents of significant weather fluctuations. These forecasts include thunderstorms of varying intensity, in addition to continued strong winds that will stir up dust and sand, necessitating caution while traveling on highways and in open areas.

Climate change and its impact on Saturday's weather

These weather fluctuations are an extension of the typical climatic patterns experienced by the Arabian Peninsula during seasonal transitions. Historically, the Kingdom is known for its exposure to periods of atmospheric instability characterized by the formation of cumulonimbus clouds and downdrafts. The diverse topography, particularly the mountainous highlands of the southwest and west, plays a vital role in condensing moisture coming from the Red Sea, leading to heavy rainfall and flash floods in the valleys. The National Center for Meteorology continuously monitors these weather changes with high precision to provide early warnings that contribute to protecting lives and property.

Expected repercussions of weather fluctuations on daily life

These weather changes have direct impacts on several local and regional levels. Locally, dust-laden winds reduce horizontal visibility, requiring drivers to exercise extreme caution to avoid traffic accidents. While thunderstorms are generally beneficial and support the Kingdom's water reserves and agricultural sector, they can also lead to water accumulation that impedes traffic on some roads. The General Directorate of Civil Defense consistently emphasizes the importance of staying away from valleys and floodplains during such weather conditions to ensure public safety.

Map of areas covered by rain and dust forecasts

According to the official statement issued by the Meteorology Department, thunderstorms accompanied by hail and strong winds that reduce horizontal visibility are expected to continue across large parts of the Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, Makkah, Madinah, Hail, Qassim, and Riyadh regions. Meanwhile, the impact of strong winds stirring up dust and sand will continue in parts of these regions, extending to parts of Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders, the Eastern Province, and Najran.

Maritime navigation conditions in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf

The report did not neglect to detail the condition of ports and coasts, with the maritime navigation forecasts to alert fishermen and sea users as follows:

Red Sea

• Surface winds will be northwesterly to northerly at speeds of 20 to 40 km/h in the northern and central regions, reaching up to 48 km/h towards the Gulf of Aqaba. In the southern region, winds will be northwesterly to westerly at speeds of 10-30 km/h.
• Wave height: It ranges 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 in the northern and central parts, rough towards the Gulf of Aqaba, and light to moderate waves in the southern part.

Arabian Gulf

• Surface winds: Northwesterly to northerly over the northern and central parts, and northwesterly to westerly over the southern part, with speeds ranging from 20 to 40 km/h.
• Wave height: ranging from one to two meters.
• Sea state: Generally moderate waves.