Thunderstorms in Saudi Arabia: Weather warnings and affected areas
The National Center for Meteorology is experiencing ongoing weather fluctuations, with thunderstorms expected to continue across Saudi Arabia, ranging from moderate to heavy. This weather system, affecting several regions of the Kingdom, is accompanied by various weather phenomena impacting transportation and the daily lives of citizens and residents, necessitating continuous monitoring of weather warnings.
Climate change and the history of rainfall events
Historically, the Arabian Peninsula has been known for its significant atmospheric instability, particularly during seasonal transitions. Heavy rainfall and flash floods are characteristic of the desert climate, which is marked by sharp and rapid fluctuations. In recent years, the frequency of these weather events has increased, reflecting the impact of regional and global climate change on the region's weather. These changes make monitoring weather forecasts crucial for ensuring public safety and avoiding the dangers associated with flash floods in valleys and low-lying areas.
Local and regional impacts of weather fluctuations
These weather changes have a significant impact at both the local and regional levels. Locally, these rains contribute to replenishing groundwater reserves and supporting the agricultural sector, which is heavily reliant on rainfall in some areas. However, the heavy rainfall necessitates mobilization by relevant authorities such as civil defense and municipalities to manage water accumulation and flash floods. Regionally, these weather systems are linked to wind patterns and air masses crossing the Middle East, making the Kingdom's weather part of a broader climatic system that influences and is influenced by neighboring countries.
Thunderstorm rainfall map for Saudi Arabia and the affected areas
The National Center for Meteorology's report indicated that the weather system includes moderate to heavy thunderstorms leading to flash floods, accompanied by hail and strong winds that will stir up dust and sand. This system is concentrated over parts of the Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, Qassim, and Hail regions, and extends to parts of the Al-Jawf and Tabuk regions. Meanwhile, moderate rainfall is expected in parts of the Al-Baha, Asir, and Jazan regions, with a chance of dense fog that will reduce horizontal visibility in the highlands.
Weather details for the capital Riyadh and the Eastern Province
The center issued special alerts regarding moderate rainfall in parts of the Eastern Province and Riyadh during the morning hours. This phenomenon is expected to continue until 10:00 AM in some areas and until 12:00 PM in others. In the Eastern Province, the alert includes the governorates of Al-Ahsa, Al-Udayd, and Buqayq. In the Riyadh region, it includes the governorates of Al-Hariq, Al-Kharj, Al-Dilam, Al-Muzahmiya, Hawtat Bani Tamim, Ad-Diriyah, Riyadh (the capital), Rumah, Thadiq, Huraymila, Dhurma, Marat, Az-Zulfi, Al-Ghat, Al-Majma'ah, Shaqra, Ad-Dawadimi, Ar-Rayn, Al-Quway'iyah, and Afif. This rainfall will be accompanied by strong winds, near-zero visibility, hail, and thunderstorms.
Maritime navigation conditions in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
Regarding the Red Sea, forecasts indicate that surface winds will be southeasterly to northeasterly, shifting to northwesterly in the afternoon, with speeds ranging from 10 to 32 km/h in the northern and central parts. In the southern part, winds will be southeasterly to southerly at 20-40 km/h, potentially reaching 48 km/h towards the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Wave heights will range from half a meter to one and a half meters in the north and central regions, and from one to two meters in the south, resulting in a slight to moderate sea state.
In the Arabian Gulf, surface winds will be northerly to northwesterly at speeds of 20-40 km/h, reaching up to 50 km/h in the central and southern parts. Wave heights will range from one to two meters, and may reach two and a half meters, resulting in moderate to rough sea conditions. This necessitates extreme caution from seafarers and fishermen during this period.
