Saudi Arabia weather forecast for Saturday: Thunderstorms, dust, and strong winds
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia revealed details of the expected weather conditions for this Saturday, issuing important warnings related to various weather phenomena affecting several regions, ranging from rain-bearing thunderclouds and fog formation to surface wind activity that stirs up dust and sand.
Climate diversity and the impact of topography in the Kingdom
These forecasts come within the context of the great climatic and geographical diversity that characterizes the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. While coastal areas and mountainous regions experience humid weather phenomena such as rain and fog, the interior and desert regions are affected by active and dry winds. The Sarawat Mountains play a pivotal role in the formation of thunderstorms due to rising air currents, making regions such as Asir, Al-Baha, and Jazan prone to frequent rainfall, reflecting the dynamic nature of the Kingdom's weather.
The importance of warnings and their expected effects
These forecasts are of paramount importance to citizens and residents, particularly regarding traffic safety and intercity travel. Active winds stirring up dust and sand, expected in regions such as Riyadh, Qassim, and the Eastern Province, typically lead to reduced horizontal visibility, necessitating caution while driving on highways and open roads. Furthermore, the formation of fog and thunderstorms in mountainous areas requires adherence to safety instructions to avoid the risks of skidding or flash floods in valleys and wadis in the event of heavy rainfall.
Daily weather report details
According to the National Center of Meteorology report, there is still a chance of thunderstorms with rain and fog over parts of the highlands of the following regions:
- Jazan region
- Asir region
- Al-Baha region
- Makkah Region
Conversely, the impact of active winds stirring up dust and sand, thus limiting horizontal visibility, continues in the eastern parts of the aforementioned regions, and extends to include parts of the following areas:
- Najran
- Riyadh
- Al-Qassim
- Eastern Province
- Northern borders
- Al-Jawf
State of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
The report also detailed the situation in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf, which was as follows:
Red Sea
- Surface winds: They will be northwesterly to northeasterly in the northern and central parts at a speed of 15-30 km/h, while they will be southerly to southwesterly in the southern part at a speed of 12-32 km/h. Wind speeds may reach 50 km/h with the formation of thunderclouds.
- Wave height: ranging from half a meter to one and a half meters, and may reach two meters in the southern part with thunderstorms.
- Sea state: Light to moderate waves, becoming rough in the southern part.
Arabian Gulf
- Surface winds: Northwesterly to northerly at speeds ranging from 15-38 km/h.
- Wave height: from half a meter to one and a half meters.
- Sea state: Light to moderate waves.
