Saudi Arabia weather today: Thunderstorms, flash floods, and a drop in temperature

The National Center for Meteorology in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia issued weather conditions for this Sunday, revealing severe weather fluctuations including thunderstorms and a clear drop in temperatures, which calls for taking precautions in several regions of the Kingdom.

Weather details and affected areas

According to weather forecasts, there remains a chance of moderate to heavy thunderstorms. This weather system may cause flash flooding in valleys and wadis, and will be accompanied by hail and strong winds. The areas most likely to be affected include parts of Qassim, the Northern Borders region, the Eastern Province , and the northern parts of the Riyadh .

Concurrently with the rainfall, the Kingdom is experiencing a noticeable drop in temperatures, accompanied by active surface winds that are stirring up dust and sand. These winds may lead to near-zero horizontal visibility, especially on highways and open areas in the aforementioned regions, extending to parts of the Tabuk and Madinah , particularly their coastal areas.

Climate context and the importance of warnings

These weather fluctuations are part of the seasonal changes that Saudi Arabia experiences, periods typically characterized by atmospheric instability due to the interaction of cold and warm air masses. While these rains play a vital role in replenishing groundwater, they also necessitate strict adherence to safety guidelines.

These warnings are of utmost importance for the preservation of lives and property, as the concerned authorities, including the Civil Defense, call on citizens and residents to stay away from flood channels and valleys during rainfall, and to exercise caution while driving in light of low horizontal visibility due to fog or dust, especially in the western and southwestern regions that may witness thunderstorms, rain, and dense fog, as well as the Al-Jawf region.

State of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf

Regarding the maritime situation, the report provided the following details:

• The Red Sea: Northwesterly to northerly surface winds are expected in the northern and central parts, while southeasterly to southwesterly winds are expected in the south, with speeds reaching up to 50 km/h and accompanied by thunderstorms. Wave heights will range from one to two and a half meters, resulting in a moderate to rough sea state.
• Arabian Gulf: Winds will be southwesterly, turning northwesterly, reaching speeds of up to 55 km/h with the formation of thunderclouds, leading to waves reaching up to two and a half meters high, and a rough sea state that requires caution from seafarers and fishermen.