Heavy thunderstorms hit parts of Saudi Arabia: Weather warnings issued

The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia has issued its weather forecast for today, warning of heavy thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds that will stir up dust and sand across large parts of the Kingdom. These warnings come as part of ongoing monitoring of the weather fluctuations affecting the country, and authorities have urged citizens and residents to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines.

Weather details and the impact of heavy thunderstorms on the regions

According to the official statement issued by the Meteorology Department, the chance of heavy to moderate thunderstorms remains, which may lead to flash floods in valleys and ravines. This rainy weather will be accompanied by hail showers in parts of Najran, Jazan, and Asir regions. Meanwhile, light to moderate rain is expected in other parts of Al-Baha, Makkah, Riyadh, the Eastern Province, the Northern Borders, and Al-Jawf regions.

In addition, the impact of active surface winds that stir up dust and sand continues, which may lead to near-zero horizontal visibility in parts of the aforementioned regions. The impact of these dusty winds extends to parts of the Qassim, Hail, Tabuk, and Madinah regions, which calls for special attention from drivers on highways to avoid traffic accidents.

Climate context: Historical weather fluctuations in the Kingdom

Saudi Arabia is characterized by significant geographical and climatic diversity, making it susceptible to sharp weather fluctuations, particularly during seasonal transitions. Historically, the southwestern highlands, such as Asir and Jazan, have received the highest rainfall due to their mountainous terrain and the influence of monsoon winds. In contrast, the central, eastern, and northern regions experience atmospheric instability, characterized by rapid shifts from dry conditions to thunderstorms and dense dust storms. These typical weather patterns play a vital role in replenishing groundwater resources, but they also necessitate ongoing preparedness to manage sudden surges in water volume.

Expected repercussions and the importance of adhering to safety guidelines

These weather changes have significant local and regional impacts. Locally, heavy rainfall can trigger flash floods and overflowing wadis, potentially disrupting land transportation and daily activities in cities and villages. The accompanying dust storms also directly affect air quality and visibility, impacting the safety of land and air navigation. Regionally, these weather systems often extend to neighboring countries in the Arabian Gulf region. Therefore, the General Directorate of Civil Defense consistently emphasizes the importance of staying away from wadis and floodplains and staying informed by following the latest updates to ensure the safety of lives and property.

Maritime navigation conditions in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf

• Red Sea: Surface winds will be northwesterly to westerly at speeds ranging from 15 to 35 km/h. Wave heights will range from one to one and a half meters, resulting in a slight to moderate sea state.
• Arabian Gulf: Surface winds are expected to be northwesterly to northerly at speeds ranging from 15 to 32 km/h. Wave heights will range from half a meter to one and a half meters, resulting in a slight to moderate sea state, which is relatively stable.