Saudi Arabia weather today: Heavy rain, floods, and fog in 10 regions
The National Center for Meteorology, revealed details of weather conditions in Saudi Arabia for today, Sunday, indicating that the Kingdom is experiencing a period of atmospheric instability directly affecting large parts of the country. The center issued advanced warnings regarding varying intensities of rainfall and hail showers, accompanied by weather phenomena requiring caution in 10 administrative regions.
Rain and flash flood forecasts for northern and western regions
The weather report indicated continued forecasts of heavy thunderstorms that could lead to flash floods , accompanied by hail and strong winds that will stir up dust and reduce horizontal visibility. This severe weather is expected to be concentrated in the following areas:
- Northern Border Region.
- Al-Jawf region.
- Tabuk region.
- Medina region.
- Parts of the Hail region.
- The northern parts of the Makkah region.
In a related context, light to moderate rain is expected in parts of the highlands of the Al-Baha and Asir regions, extending to include parts of the Al-Qassim region, which promises distinctive winter weather in those highlands.
climatic context and the impact of weather conditions
These weather fluctuations are part of the transitional season the Kingdom is experiencing, as the Arabian Peninsula is typically affected at this time of year by the passage of low-pressure systems originating from the Mediterranean Sea or by humid thermal lows. These rains are of paramount importance to the local environment, contributing to the irrigation of valleys and ravines, replenishing groundwater reserves, and playing a vital role in the growth of spring vegetation eagerly awaited by shepherds and hikers.
However, the expected heavy rainfall in the northern and western regions requires careful monitoring, given the nature of the terrain in those areas which helps in the formation of rapidly transported flash floods, which necessitates taking precautions and staying away from valleys.
Fog and reduced horizontal visibility
The weather report not only warned of rain but also of dense fog that could lead to near-zero visibility, especially during the early morning and late night hours. The fog warning covers parts of the areas experiencing rainfall, as well as parts of the Eastern Province .
The center also warned of the continued impact of active winds stirring up dust and sand, which may lead to a significant decrease in horizontal visibility in the western and southwestern parts of the Kingdom, especially coastal areas and highways linking the governorates.
State of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
Regarding maritime navigation, the report described wave and wind patterns as follows:
Red Sea
- Surface winds: Northwesterly to southwesterly at speeds ranging between 20-45 km/h, reaching speeds of more than 60 km/h with the formation of rain-bearing thunderclouds over the northern and central parts.
- Wave height: ranging from one and a half meters to two and a half meters, and may exceed that with thunderstorms.
- Sea conditions: Moderate to rough, which calls for caution from fishermen and seafarers.
Arabian Gulf
- Surface winds: Southwesterly to southeasterly in the northern and central parts, turning easterly and northeasterly in the south at a speed of 10-30 km/h.
- Wave height: from half a meter to one and a half meters.
- Sea state: Light to moderate waves.
The relevant authorities, including the Civil Defense, call on all citizens and residents to exercise caution, adhere to safety instructions while driving in rainy and foggy weather, and avoid low-lying areas and water pools to ensure everyone's safety.
