Weather forecast for Saudi Arabia on Saturday: Meteorological alerts

The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued a detailed statement outlining weather conditions for Saturday. The center warned of unstable weather, including thunderstorms accompanied by active surface winds and dust storms, which could significantly reduce horizontal visibility in several vital areas of the Kingdom. The center urged citizens and residents to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines.

Weather details in Saudi Arabia and areas affected by rain

According to the weather report, moderate to heavy thunderstorms are expected to continue over parts of the highlands of Jazan, Asir, and Al-Baha regions, extending to the Makkah region. These storms will be accompanied by hail and strong downdrafts.

Conversely, surface winds stirring up dust and sand are active across large parts of the Madinah, Qassim, Hail, Tabuk, and Al-Jawf regions, as well as the Northern Borders. The report indicated that these winds could cause near-zero horizontal visibility, particularly in parts of the Eastern Province, especially its southern regions, requiring extreme caution from drivers on highways.

The geographical and climatic background of weather fluctuations in the Kingdom

This wave of weather fluctuations is part of the typical seasonal changes experienced in the Arabian Peninsula. Geographically, the high mountainous terrain in the west and southwest of the Kingdom, such as the Sarawat Mountains, plays a key role in the formation of cumulonimbus clouds due to the lifting of hot, moist air from the Red Sea into the cooler upper atmosphere.

On the other hand, the vast and open desert areas make the Kingdom vulnerable to surface wind activity that stirs up dust and sand (dust storms), a climatic phenomenon that recurs during transitional periods between seasons and directly affects air quality and horizontal visibility.

Expected impacts on daily life and public safety

This weather condition is directly affecting several sectors locally. In terms of traffic, reduced horizontal visibility due to blowing dust poses a significant risk to safe travel between cities, prompting continuous warnings from security authorities urging drivers to reduce speeds and use hazard lights.

On the health front, doctors advise respiratory and asthma patients to avoid direct exposure to dust, stay indoors, and wear protective masks when they must go out. These fluctuations also affect agricultural activities and grazing in open areas, requiring preventative measures to protect crops and livestock.

Maritime traffic in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf

The National Center of Meteorology provided details on wind movement and sea conditions to ensure the safety of fishermen and sea-goers:

Red Sea:

• Surface winds: Northwesterly to northerly at speeds ranging from 15 to 37 km/h over the northern and central parts, and westerly to northwesterly at speeds of 10 to 25 km/h over the southern part.
• Wave height: ranging from half a meter to one and a half meters on the northern and central parts, and from half a meter to one meter on the southern part.
• Sea state: Light to moderate waves in the northern and central parts, and light waves in the southern part.

The Arabian Gulf:

• Surface winds: Northwesterly to northerly at speeds ranging from 20 to 40 km/h.
• Wave height: ranging from one to two meters.
• Sea conditions: Light to moderate waves, which may require extra caution for small vessels and fishermen.