Saudi Arabia weather forecast for Sunday: Rain, fog, and dust expected
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued its daily weather forecast for Sunday, indicating continued weather fluctuations across most of the Kingdom. The center predicted scattered rain, fog formation, and dust-raising winds in parts of eight regions, with cold to very cold conditions persisting in the northern regions.
Details of the expected weather conditions
According to the weather report, there remains a chance of scattered rain and fog that will reduce horizontal visibility over the highlands of Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, and Makkah regions. These effects will extend to parts of the Riyadh and Eastern regions. Meanwhile, cold to very cold weather will persist during the night and early morning hours in the northern parts of the Kingdom, with a chance of frost. This necessitates taking precautions, especially for farmers and residents of open areas.
The center also warned of the continued impact of active surface winds stirring up dust and sand, which may lead to near-zero visibility in parts of those areas, in addition to the coastal parts of the Tabuk and Madinah regions.
Climate context and its impact
These weather fluctuations are part of the great climatic diversity that characterizes the geography of Saudi Arabia. While the high-altitude southwestern regions enjoy a more temperate climate and seasonal rainfall, a dry desert climate prevails over most of the country. Transitional periods between seasons, such as the current one, are characterized by the activity of low-pressure systems that bring rain clouds and strong winds. The convergence of different air masses—cold from the north and warm, humid from the south—is what creates this atmospheric instability.
Importance and expected effects
These weather conditions have a direct impact on various aspects of daily life. Locally, fog and dust significantly affect transportation, requiring drivers to exercise extreme caution on highways and between cities. From a health perspective, those with respiratory conditions and asthma are advised to avoid direct exposure to dust and sand. On the other hand, rainfall, even if scattered, is of paramount importance to the Kingdom's water reserves and agricultural sector. Relevant authorities, such as the General Directorate of Civil Defense, are working to raise awareness and issue necessary warnings to ensure the safety of citizens and residents.
Red Sea situation
- Wind direction: Northwesterly to Northerly.
- Wind speed: 21-42 km/h.
- Wave height: from one meter to two meters.
- Sea state: Light to moderate waves.
Arabian Gulf situation
- Wind direction: Northwesterly to northerly over the northern and central parts, and easterly to northeasterly over the southern part.
- Wind speed: 22-41 km/h in the northern and central parts, and 10-30 km/h in the southern part.
- Wave height: from one to two meters in the northern and central parts, and light waves in the southern part.
- Sea state: Light to moderate waves.
