Saudi Arabia weather: Thunderstorms and strong winds hit several regions of the Kingdom
The National Center for Meteorology in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in its daily weather , revealed the continuation of weather fluctuations in several regions of the Kingdom, where weather phenomena combine between rainfall and surface wind activity, which calls for caution and vigilance on the part of citizens and residents, especially those using highways.
Details of the rainfall situation in the highlands
The report indicated continued chances of thunderstorms , which may be accompanied by hail and strong winds, primarily affecting the southern and southwestern highlands. Affected areas include parts of Jazan, Asir, and Al-Baha , extending to the highlands of the Makkah , as well as the southern parts of the Madinah . This weather pattern is a result of the geographical nature of these areas (the Sarawat Mountains), which contributes to the formation of cumulonimbus clouds that produce rain.
Surface winds and their effect on visibility
In a related development, the meteorological department warned of significant surface wind stirring up dust and sand, which could lead to reduced horizontal visibility. This impact includes the eastern parts of the aforementioned regions, and the dust extends to a wide area encompassing Najran, Riyadh, Qassim, Hail, and Al-Jawf , reaching as far as the western parts of the Northern Borders region. The report also did not rule out the possibility of scattered light rain in parts of central Saudi Arabia.
The state of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
Regarding the sea conditions, the Red Sea northwesterly to northerly surface winds in the northern and central parts, while they are southeasterly to southwesterly in the southern part, with speeds ranging from 15 to 30 km/h, with wave heights from half a meter to one and a half meters, and a light to moderate sea state.
As for the Arabian Gulf , northwesterly to northerly winds are active at a speed of up to 40 km/h, which raises the waves from one to two meters, and the sea state is light to moderately rough.
Special alerts for the Eastern Province
The National Center for Meteorology issued an advanced warning for the Eastern Province regarding active winds and blowing dust , with effects beginning at 9:00 AM and continuing until 7:00 PM. The warning covers the governorates of Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, Dhahran, Qatif, and Ras Tanura, where wind speeds are expected to reach between 40 and 49 km/h, accompanied by reduced visibility. Al-Ahsa, Al-Udayd, Abqaiq, and Dhahbalutan are also experiencing similar effects, with horizontal visibility potentially dropping to between 3 and 5 kilometers.
The importance of following weather forecasts
These reports are of paramount importance due to the diverse terrain of Saudi Arabia, which causes weather to vary drastically from one region to another at the same time. Authorities consistently urge the public to stay informed by following real-time forecasts and early warnings, especially for those traveling by road between regions, to avoid the dangers of dust storms or flash floods in mountainous areas and valleys.
