Today's weather in Saudi Arabia (Sunday): Rain and fog in 6 regions

The National Center for Meteorology issued its daily weather report for Saudi Arabia on Sunday, revealing continued weather fluctuations affecting several regions of the Kingdom. The report included important warnings for citizens and residents regarding the formation of thunderstorms, increased surface wind activity, and reduced horizontal visibility due to fog in the early morning hours.

Rain and fog are expected in the highlands and eastern regions

According to the meteorological statement, the chance of thunderstorms with rain and active winds that stir up dust and sand remains high. This weather pattern is particularly concentrated over parts of the highlands of Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, and Makkah , and its effects extend to parts of the highlands of Madinah . The center also indicated a high probability of dense fog in parts of these mountainous areas, as well as parts of the Eastern Province , urging caution while driving.

State of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf

Regarding maritime traffic, the report provided the following details:

• The Red Sea: Northwesterly to northeasterly surface winds are blowing across the northern and central parts at speeds of 12-28 km/h, while southerly to southwesterly winds are blowing across the southern part at speeds of 15-40 km/h. Wind speeds may reach 52 km/h towards the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Wave heights range from half a meter to one and a half meters in the north and central parts, reaching two and a half meters in the south, resulting in rough sea conditions towards the strait.
• Arabian Gulf: Winds will be southeasterly to easterly in the north, and southeasterly to southwesterly in the central and southern parts at a speed of 10-28 km/h, with a slight wave height ranging from half a meter to one meter.

Climatic context and topographical influence

This weather pattern is typical of the Kingdom's climate during this transitional period, where the diverse geographical terrain plays a crucial role in shaping the weather. The Sarawat Mountains (which include Asir, Al-Baha, and Jazan) act as a natural barrier, lifting moist air masses from the Red Sea. This leads to cloud condensation and thunderstorms, a phenomenon known as orographic rainfall, which distinguishes the climate of the Saudi highlands from that of other desert regions.

The importance of warnings and safety measures

These weather bulletins are of paramount importance to ensure the safety of lives and property. Fog in the Eastern Province and highlands is a major cause of traffic accidents due to poor visibility, requiring drivers to adhere to speed limits and use fog lights. Furthermore, flash floods in valleys and ravines resulting from thunderstorms in mountainous areas necessitate staying away from floodplains and following Civil Defense instructions. These proactive warnings contribute to raising public awareness and reducing potential risks.