Saudi Arabia's weather today, Friday: Rain, wind, and fog in 8 regions
The National Center for Meteorology issued its daily report on the expected weather conditions on Friday in various parts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as the center warned of weather fluctuations including rainfall, surface wind activity that stirs up dust, in addition to the formation of fog over large parts covering 8 administrative regions.
The general and climatic context of the Kingdom
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is characterized by its vast geographical area and diverse terrain, making it susceptible to multiple weather patterns simultaneously. These forecasts are based on close monitoring by the National Center of Meteorology, which utilizes the latest weather observation technologies and satellites to provide early warnings. This time of year is typically a transitional period that may witness the interaction of cold and warm air masses, resulting in atmospheric instability that affects horizontal visibility and travel between cities.
Weather details for land areas
According to the meteorological statement, the Kingdom is experiencing significant surface wind that is stirring up dust and sand, leading to reduced horizontal visibility. This impact is concentrated in parts of the following regions:
- Tabuk region
- Al-Jawf region
- Northern Border Region
- Hail region
- Madinah region
- Makkah Region
The report also indicated that there is a chance of light to moderate thunderstorms, accompanied by fog that may impede visibility, in parts of the aforementioned regions, and the situation extends to include the mountainous highlands in the Al-Baha and Asir .
The importance of the report and its impact on public safety
This report is particularly important given the weekend (Friday), when road travel and intercity trips are frequent. The current weather conditions, especially the presence of dust and fog, urge drivers on highways and open roads to exercise extreme caution. The weather in Mecca and Medina also directly impacts those visiting the Two Holy Mosques, necessitating continuous monitoring of official warnings to ensure the safety of pilgrims and visitors.
State of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
Regarding coastal areas, the center explained the details of wave and wind movement as follows:
Red Sea
- Surface winds: They will be northwesterly to westerly at a speed of 20-55 km/h on the northern part, while they will be southeasterly to southwesterly at a speed of 10-35 km/h on the central and southern parts, and their speed may reach 50 km/h towards the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
- Wave height: It ranges from one meter to two meters, reaching more than two and a half meters on the northern part, and from half a meter to one and a half meters on the central and southern parts, and may exceed two meters towards the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
- Sea conditions: It is described as moderate to rough in the north, light to moderate in the center and south, and becoming rough towards the strait.
Arabian Gulf
- Surface winds: Northwesterly at 10-25 km/h, shifting to southeasterly at 18-38 km/h in the north during the afternoon. In the central and southern parts, they will be southeasterly to northeasterly at 10-28 km/h.
- Wave height: from half a meter to one and a half meters in the north, and from half a meter to one meter in the center and south.
- Sea state: Light to moderate waves in the northern part, and light waves in the central and southern parts.
