Weather in Saudi Arabia: Thunderstorms and winds hit 10 regions
Saudi Arabia is experiencing significant weather fluctuations during this period, with the National Center for Meteorology revealing details of weather conditions for today, Thursday. These forecasts include thunderstorms accompanied by active winds across large parts of 10 major regions, necessitating caution from citizens and residents and adherence to traffic safety guidelines.
Weather developments in Saudi Arabia and their climatic effects
The Arabian Peninsula is characterized by a unique climate diversity, with its varied geography playing a significant role in the wide range of weather conditions across Saudi Arabia. Historically, the Kingdom experiences sharp weather fluctuations during transitional seasons, including heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. These natural phenomena contribute to the replenishment of water resources and groundwater. Monitoring these climatic changes is not a recent development; rather, it is the continuation of ongoing national institutional efforts aimed at accurately monitoring weather patterns to protect lives and property through early warning systems.
The strategic importance and impact of rainfall on vital sectors
Heavy rainfall and flash floods have a significant impact at both the local and regional levels. Locally, these rains contribute to replenishing dam water reserves and support the agricultural sector, which relies heavily on rainwater in some southern and western regions such as Asir and Al-Baha. Regionally, accurate weather forecasts enhance the ability of relevant authorities to manage crises and natural disasters, minimizing negative impacts on land, sea, and air transport and ensuring the continuation of daily life with minimal disruption.
Rainfall and wind map for regions of the Kingdom
The National Center for Meteorology's report indicated that the chance of thunderstorms, ranging from moderate to heavy, remains, potentially leading to flash floods. This weather pattern will be accompanied by hail in parts of Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, and Makkah regions. These weather fluctuations will also extend to parts of Madinah, Hail, Qassim, and Riyadh regions. Meanwhile, light to moderate rain is expected in parts of the Eastern Province and Najran.
In addition, the impact of active winds that stir up dust and sand, which limit horizontal visibility, continues on parts of the aforementioned regions, along with parts of the Northern Borders and Al-Jawf regions, and the coastal parts of the Tabuk region.
Maritime navigation situation: Red Sea and Arabian Gulf
Regarding maritime navigation, the report indicated that surface winds over the Red Sea will be northwesterly to northerly at speeds ranging from 20 to 40 km/h in the northern and central parts, potentially reaching 55 km/h towards the Gulf of Aqaba. In the southern part, wind speeds will range from 15 to 30 km/h. Wave heights will range from one to two meters, potentially exceeding two and a half meters towards the Gulf of Aqaba, resulting in a slight to moderate sea state, becoming rough in the Gulf of Aqaba.
In the Arabian Gulf, surface winds are expected to be northwesterly to northerly at a speed of 15-35 km/h, with wave heights ranging from half a meter to one and a half meters, resulting in a light to moderate sea state.
Eastern Province weather details and early warnings
The National Center for Meteorology issued special alerts for the Eastern Province, warning of light rain, active winds, and dust storms. Rain is expected to begin in Hafr Al-Batin at 3 PM and continue until 10 PM, accompanied by active winds, reduced horizontal visibility, and thunderstorms.
Al-Ahsa and Abqaiq will also experience dust storms from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, accompanied by strong winds and reduced horizontal visibility to between 3 and 5 kilometers. In Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, Dhahran, Qatif, and Ras Tanura, strong winds are expected from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, reaching speeds of 40 to 49 km/h, leading to reduced horizontal visibility and high waves along the coast.
