Weather forecast for Saudi Arabia on Saturday: Thunderstorms and dust in 10 regions
The National Center for Meteorology has released details of weather conditions in Saudi Arabia for today, Saturday, warning citizens and residents of significant weather fluctuations. The forecast includes thunderstorms of varying intensity, accompanied by active winds that may stir up dust and sand, potentially affecting horizontal visibility in large areas, including 10 major regions of the Kingdom.
According to the official statement issued by the Meteorology Department, forecasts indicate continued light to moderate thunderstorms, accompanied by downdrafts that will stir up dust and sand. This weather pattern will affect parts of the Northern Borders, Eastern Province, Riyadh, Qassim, Hail, and Madinah regions. Meanwhile, rainfall will become moderate to heavy in parts of the mountainous areas of Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir, and Jazan. Simultaneously, temperatures will drop noticeably in parts of northern Saudi Arabia, bringing cooler weather.
Fluctuating climate: a prominent feature of atmospheric transition seasons
Rapid weather changes are an integral part of the climate of the Arabian Peninsula, especially during the transitional periods between seasons. Historically, the Kingdom experiences significant activity of low-pressure systems originating from the Mediterranean Sea or the Arabian Sea during this time of year, leading to the collision of warm and cold air masses. This climatic interaction is the primary cause of the formation of cumulonimbus clouds and the activity of surface winds that stir up sandstorms—a natural phenomenon familiar to the region's inhabitants and requiring continuous monitoring of regular weather forecasts issued by official authorities.
The impact of weather conditions in Saudi Arabia on daily life and the economy
play Weather conditions in Saudi Arabia a vital role in shaping daily and economic activities. Locally, thunderstorms and dust storms directly impact land and air traffic, prompting relevant authorities such as traffic police and civil defense to raise their level of preparedness and issue proactive warnings to ensure the safety of travelers on highways and to avoid areas prone to flash floods. On the other hand, these rains have a significant positive impact on the agricultural sector and groundwater recharge in dams, which in turn benefits vegetation and the desert environment, supporting national initiatives aimed at combating desertification and improving the quality of life.
Maritime navigation conditions in the Red Sea
- Surface winds: Northwesterly to northerly at speeds of 30 to 55 km/h in the northern and central parts. Southerly to southeasterly at speeds of 15-35 km/h in the southern part, potentially reaching 45 km/h towards the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
- Wave height: from one and a half to two and a half meters in the northern and central parts, and from half a meter to one and a half meters in the south, reaching more than two meters towards the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
- Sea state: Moderate to rough in the northern and central parts, as well as towards the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and light to moderate in the southern part.
Arabian Gulf forecasts
- Surface winds: Southerly to southeasterly, gradually shifting to northerly or northeasterly in the afternoon at speeds of 8-28 km/h, potentially exceeding 45 km/h with the formation of rain-bearing thunderstorms over the northern and central parts. Meanwhile, winds will be southwesterly to westerly at speeds of 8-22 km/h over the southern part.
- Wave height: from half a meter to one and a half meters, and may exceed two meters with rainy thunderstorms on the northern and central parts, and from half a meter to one meter on the southern part.
- Sea state: Light to moderate waves, becoming rough with the formation of rain-bearing thunderclouds over the northern and central parts.
