Today's weather in Saudi Arabia: Thunderstorms and warnings for Mecca
The National Center for Meteorology, revealed details of the weather conditions in Saudi Arabia for Monday, indicating the continuation of unstable weather conditions affecting several regions of the Kingdom. The report included forecasts of moderate to heavy thunderstorms, accompanied by hail and strong winds that may stir up dust and sand, urging citizens and residents to exercise caution.
Weather details and affected areas
The center explained that the chance of thunderstorms accompanied by active winds that reduce horizontal visibility remains high in parts of the Makkah region. This weather pattern extends to the southwestern highlands, where partly cloudy to cloudy skies are expected, with a chance of thunderstorms and rain in parts of the Jazan, Asir, and Al-Baha regions. Meanwhile, the center warned of the possibility of fog forming during the early morning hours in parts of the Eastern Province and the northern regions of the Kingdom, which could affect traffic on highways.
The geographical and climatic context of the Kingdom
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is characterized by a wide geographical diversity that directly influences its climate, with weather patterns varying between coastal areas, mountainous regions, and deserts. These weather fluctuations occur during transitional periods in the region, when humid air currents from the Red Sea interact with cold air masses, leading to atmospheric instability. The National Center for Meteorology is the official body responsible for monitoring these phenomena and issuing early warnings to ensure the safety of lives and property.
State of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
Regarding the state of the water bodies, the report indicated that surface winds over the Red Sea will be northwesterly to northerly in the northern and central parts, and southeasterly to southwesterly in the southern part, with speeds reaching 50 km/h and the formation of thunderstorms. Wave heights are expected to exceed 2.5 meters in areas affected by thunderstorms, resulting in rough sea conditions.
In the Arabian Gulf, surface winds are southwesterly to southerly in the northern part, and northwesterly to northerly in the southern part, with wave heights ranging from half a meter to a meter, and the sea state is light.
Important alerts for the Makkah region and weather effects
The automated early warning system issued a special alert for the Makkah region regarding light rainfall, starting at 8:00 AM and continuing until 7:00 PM. This alert includes the governorates and centers of: Khulais, Ash Shu'aibah, Bahrah, Al Jumum, Al Kamil, Al Lith, Al Qunfudhah, as well as Jeddah, Makkah, and Taif.
This weather pattern is expected to bring reduced horizontal visibility, increased surface wind activity, and the possibility of thunderstorms. Such conditions typically impact traffic, with experts consistently advising drivers to maintain safe distances between vehicles and avoid low-lying areas and floodplains during rainfall, in accordance with the instructions of the Civil Defense and other relevant authorities.
