Weather in Saudi Arabia: Thunderstorms and strong winds expected today
The daily report issued by the National Center for Meteorology provides continuous updates on the weather in Saudi Arabia, with indicators predicting continued moderate to heavy thunderstorms across large parts of the Kingdom. These forecasts are accompanied by strong surface winds that may stir up dust and sand, necessitating caution from citizens and residents in the affected areas.
Climate context: Weather fluctuations in Saudi Arabia during transitional periods
The Arabian Peninsula, and Saudi Arabia in particular, is characterized by a climate marked by sharp weather fluctuations during the transitional periods between seasons. Historically, the Kingdom experiences periods of atmospheric instability at these times of year, as cold air masses from the north collide with warm, humid low-pressure systems extending from the south and southwest. This typical climatic interaction is the primary cause of the formation of cumulonimbus clouds, heavy rainfall, and hail. Furthermore, the northern highlands, such as the mountains of the Tabuk region, have a well-documented history of receiving snowfall during cold spells, reflecting the Kingdom's unique geographical and climatic diversity.
Details of the daily report from the National Center for Meteorology
The National Center for Meteorology explained that forecasts indicate thunderstorms leading to flash floods, accompanied by hail and strong, gusty winds. These dust-laden winds may cause near-zero visibility in parts of the Eastern Province, the Northern Borders region, Al-Jawf, Tabuk, Hail, Al-Qassim, Riyadh, Madinah, Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir, Jazan, and Najran. The chances of dense fog are also increasing in parts of these regions, while the possibility of snowfall remains in parts of the Tabuk highlands.
Local and regional impacts of weather fluctuations
These weather changes have tangible impacts at both the local and regional levels. On the positive side, heavy rainfall and flash floods contribute to replenishing groundwater and revitalizing vegetation and natural pastures, thus supporting the Kingdom's agricultural and environmental sectors and aligning with national afforestation initiatives. On the other hand, strong winds and reduced horizontal visibility pose significant challenges to the transportation sector, necessitating the activation of emergency plans by relevant authorities such as Civil Defense and traffic departments to ensure the safety of travelers on highways and prevent traffic accidents in areas of fog and flash flooding.
Maritime navigation conditions in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
Regarding the Red Sea, forecasts indicate that surface winds will be northwesterly to westerly in the northern part, and southeasterly to southerly in the central and southern parts, with speeds ranging from 27 to 50 km/h, potentially exceeding 60 km/h with the formation of thunderstorms. Wave heights are expected to range from 1.5 to 2.5 meters, increasing in areas affected by thunderstorms, resulting in a moderate to rough sea state.
In the Arabian Gulf, surface winds will be southeasterly to southerly at speeds of 20-41 km/h, reaching over 55 km/h with thunderstorms. Wave heights will range from one to two meters, occasionally exceeding two and a half meters, resulting in sea conditions ranging from slight to moderate, becoming occasionally rough.
Advanced warnings for rain in the Eastern Province
The National Center for Meteorology issued a special alert regarding moderate rainfall in parts of the Eastern Province, specifically in Hafr Al-Batin, Al-Khafji, Al-Nairiyah, and Qaryat Al-Ulya. This weather system is expected to begin at 9:00 AM and continue until 7:00 PM. The rain will be accompanied by strong winds, near-zero visibility, hail, flash floods, and thunderstorms. Residents are advised to adhere to all safety instructions issued by official authorities.
