Today's weather in Saudi Arabia: Extreme heat and dust storms
The National Center for Meteorology, in its daily report, detailed the weather conditions in Saudi Arabia, warning of varying weather fluctuations, including a severe heat wave in some areas, active surface winds stirring up dust and sand in others, and the possibility of thunderstorms in the highlands. These warnings come at a time when the Kingdom is experiencing sharp seasonal changes, requiring caution from citizens and residents, especially those traveling on highways and in open areas.
Seasonal fluctuations and the impact of weather conditions in Saudi Arabia
The Arabian Peninsula has historically been characterized by its arid, hot desert climate during the summer. However, recent climate change has contributed to an increase in the intensity and frequency of these weather phenomena. The Kingdom's vast geography plays a key role in the diversity of these weather patterns. Hot, dry air masses push in to dominate the eastern and central regions, while the southwestern highlands are affected by humid monsoon winds from the Arabian Sea. This creates a unique contrast between intense heat and seasonal thunderstorms on the same day. This contrast directly impacts land and air transport, as well as the energy, water, and agriculture sectors both locally and regionally.
The summer heat intensifies in the eastern region
The National Center for Meteorology issued an advanced warning regarding a heat wave affecting large parts of the Eastern Province today, Wednesday. The report indicated that the heat wave will begin at 11:00 AM and continue until 5:00 PM. The direct effects include a sharp rise in temperatures, ranging between 47 and 48 degrees Celsius, particularly in the governorates of Al-Ahsa, Al-Udayd, and Buqayq. These scorching conditions necessitate that residents avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours and drink plenty of fluids to prevent heatstroke and heat exhaustion.
Active winds and dust storms in 6 regions
Alongside the sharp rise in temperatures, the impact of active winds stirring up dust and sand continues, leading to reduced horizontal visibility in parts of six major regions: Madinah, Tabuk, Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders, Hail, and Al-Qassim. Security and traffic authorities urge motorists using highways in these areas to exercise extreme caution while driving and to adhere to speed limits to ensure public safety.
Thunderstorms bring relief to the mountainous highlands
On the other hand, there remains a chance of thunderstorms accompanied by active winds over parts of the highlands of Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, and Makkah. These summer rains are a common phenomenon that helps to moderate the weather and attract local tourism to these mountain resorts. However, caution is also advised due to the risk of flash floods in valleys and ravines, and it is recommended to avoid valley bottoms altogether.
Shipping traffic in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
Regarding maritime and fishing conditions, the report indicated that surface winds over the Red Sea would be northwesterly to northerly at speeds ranging from 25 to 45 km/h in the northern and central parts, and northwesterly to westerly at speeds of 10-30 km/h in the southern part. Wave heights were expected to range from one to two meters in the north and central regions, and from half a meter to one meter in the south, resulting in a moderate to slight sea state.
In the Arabian Gulf, the winds are northwesterly to northerly at a speed of 16-36 km/h in the north, and northwesterly to westerly at a speed of 25-45 km/h in the central and southern parts, with wave heights reaching up to two meters in the central and southern parts, making the sea state generally light to moderate.
