Saudi Arabia weather forecast for Friday: Thunderstorms and winds to hit 7 regions

The National Center for Meteorology announced the weather conditions in Saudi Arabia for Friday, warning of significant weather fluctuations including thunderstorms, dense fog, and active winds that will stir up dust and sand across large parts of seven major regions in the Kingdom. These forecasts come as part of ongoing monitoring of the weather situation to ensure the safety of citizens and residents.

Saudi Arabia weather details and its direct effects on regions

According to the official statement issued by the Meteorology Department, moderate to heavy thunderstorms are expected to continue, potentially leading to flash floods in valleys and ravines. These storms will be accompanied by hail and strong downdrafts, and this weather pattern will be concentrated over parts of the Asir, Jazan, and Najran regions. The effects will also extend to the southern parts of the Riyadh and Eastern regions, with a high probability of dense fog reducing horizontal visibility in the early morning hours. Meanwhile, the Al-Jawf and Northern Borders regions will be affected by surface winds stirring up dust and sand, which may lead to near-zero horizontal visibility. Drivers are advised to exercise caution.

Climate change and the historical context of rainfall in the Kingdom

The Arabian Peninsula has historically been characterized by its arid desert climate. However, recent decades have witnessed significant climate changes leading to increased rainfall, particularly during seasonal transitions. Thunderstorms in the southern and southwestern regions, such as Asir and Jazan, are part of the typical seasonal weather pattern, as these areas are influenced by moist air currents originating from the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea. With advancements in meteorological monitoring technologies, the National Center for Meteorology is now able to provide accurate and early warnings, reflecting the significant development of the Kingdom's meteorological infrastructure compared to previous years and helping to mitigate the risks associated with sudden weather changes.

Importance and expected effects of the weather conditions

These weather fluctuations are of great importance and have multiple impacts at both the local and regional levels. On the positive side, the heavy rainfall contributes to bolstering the Kingdom's strategic water reserves by replenishing dams and groundwater. It also plays a vital role in supporting the agricultural sector and the flourishing of vegetation, aligning with the goals of the "Green Saudi Arabia" initiative and efforts to combat desertification. On the other hand, the dust-laden winds and dense fog necessitate heightened preparedness among traffic and civil defense authorities to address any emergencies that may occur on highways, ensuring the safe continuation of commercial and civilian traffic and preventing traffic accidents.

Maritime navigation conditions in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf

Regarding maritime navigation, the report provided detailed information to ensure the safety of seafarers and fishermen:

• Red Sea: Surface winds will be northwesterly to northerly at 15-35 km/h in the northern and central parts. In the southern part, they will be southwesterly to southerly, shifting to northerly to northwesterly at 15-45 km/h during the afternoon, potentially exceeding 50 km/h with the development of thunderstorms. Wave height will range from half a meter to one and a half meters in the north and central parts, and from one to two meters (reaching more than two and a half meters with thunderstorms) in the south. Sea conditions will be slight to moderate, becoming choppy in the southern part.
• Arabian Gulf: Surface winds will be westerly, shifting to northwesterly in the afternoon at speeds of 15-32 km/h in the northern part, and northwesterly to southwesterly at speeds of 18-48 km/h in the central and southern parts, reaching speeds of over 60 km/h with the development of thunderstorms and rain. Wave heights will range from 1.5 to 2.5 meters, increasing during thunderstorms, resulting in a moderate to rough sea state.