Saudi Arabia weather: Heavy rain and dust storms starting Friday
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an important report today, warning of widespread atmospheric instability affecting most regions of the Kingdom. The center predicted thunderstorms of varying intensity, with the full effects beginning tomorrow, Friday, and continuing until next Sunday. This weather system will be accompanied by several weather phenomena, including strong downdrafts that may stir up dust and sand. Wind speeds are expected to exceed 60 km/h in some areas, potentially reducing horizontal visibility. Hail showers are also expected, along with the possibility of flash floods in valleys and ravines, and a significant increase in sea waves along the coasts.
Details of the areas affected by the rainfall
The report detailed that the northern, northwestern, and central regions will be at the heart of the weather system, with Tabuk, Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders, Hail, Al-Qassim, and Madinah experiencing moderate to heavy rainfall at intervals. This forecast includes a large number of governorates such as Neom, Tayma, Haql, Al-Wajh, Umluj, Sakaka, Arar, Rafha, Buraydah, Unayzah, Yanbu, and other cities and governorates within these regions, necessitating caution.
The report also indicated that the weather system would extend to the Riyadh, Eastern Province, and Makkah regions, but with lesser intensity, ranging from mild to moderate. This impact will include the capital, Riyadh, and its surrounding governorates, as well as Hafr Al-Batin, Jubail, Dammam, and Al-Ahsa in the Eastern Province. In the Makkah region, the forecast includes the Holy City, Jeddah, Rabigh, and Khulais, which may affect traffic and daily activities in these vital cities.
Climate context and the importance of early warnings
These weather fluctuations occur within the context of transitional periods in the atmosphere of the Kingdom and the Arabian Peninsula, during which surface and upper-level low-pressure systems become active, leading to the convergence of air masses with different characteristics, causing instability. These rains are of paramount importance to the Kingdom's desert environment, contributing to the irrigation of vegetation and the replenishment of groundwater. However, they can also pose a risk if they become heavy and cause flash floods.
The early warning systems developed by the National Center of Meteorology play a pivotal role in managing crises and natural disasters, providing relevant authorities and citizens with ample time to prepare and take necessary precautions. This report reflects the technological advancements in monitoring and tracking weather phenomena with high accuracy, thus protecting lives and property.
Safety and prevention guidelines
In closing, the National Center of Meteorology stressed the importance of staying updated through its official channels, including its website and the "Anwaa" mobile application. It also urged everyone to strictly adhere to the instructions of the Civil Defense and other relevant authorities, which typically include staying away from valleys and flood channels during rainfall, avoiding going to sea due to high waves, and exercising caution while driving on highways and open roads that may experience sudden dust storms leading to reduced visibility.
