Today's weather: Thunderstorms and flash floods in Riyadh and the Eastern Province

The National Center for Meteorology issued its daily weather report for Thursday in Saudi Arabia, indicating the continuation of unstable weather conditions affecting large areas of the country. The report included warnings of thunderstorms , which could lead to flash floods in valleys and ravines, accompanied by hail and strong winds that may stir up dust and sand. These conditions are expected to be particularly concentrated in parts of the Riyadh and Eastern .

Rainfall distribution and weather phenomena

The report clarified that the rainy conditions are not limited to the central and eastern regions, but extend to parts of Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir, and Jazan, in addition to parts of Al-Qassim, the Northern Borders, Al-Jawf, and Tabuk, where light to moderate rainfall is expected. The center also warned of the possibility of dense fog reducing horizontal visibility in parts of these regions, as well as in parts of Madinah and Hail, urging caution while driving on highways and open roads.

The state of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf

Regarding the marine conditions, the report noted a disturbance in wave movement:

• The Red Sea: The northern and central parts are experiencing northwesterly to northerly winds, while the southern part is experiencing southeasterly to southerly winds, with wind speeds reaching 50 km/h with thunderstorms, raising the waves to more than two meters.
• The Arabian Gulf: It is experiencing a state of severe disturbance, especially in the northern and central parts, where the winds change at night to reach a speed of more than 60 km/h, with a wave height that may exceed two and a half meters, making it turbulent and unsuitable for small marine activities.

Climate context and the importance of monitoring

These weather fluctuations are occurring within the context of the transitional climate currently affecting Saudi Arabia, characterized by the interaction of cold and warm air masses, which generates cumulonimbus clouds. While these rains are crucial to the local environment, contributing to the irrigation of desert vegetation and replenishing groundwater, they necessitate a robust stormwater drainage infrastructure to mitigate the risks of flash floods.

Weather conditions and safety guidelines

Due to the expected heavy rainfall in Riyadh and the Eastern Province, citizens and residents are advised to stay away from floodplains and valleys, and to adhere to Civil Defense instructions. Active dust-laden winds may also negatively affect those with respiratory conditions and reduce visibility, necessitating caution. Experts emphasize that following the latest weather updates issued by the National Center for Meteorology is crucial to avoid potential hazards during this weather event.