Sunday's weather in Saudi Arabia: Thunderstorms and flash floods hit several regions

The National Center for Meteorology announced details of Sunday's weather forecast for Saudi Arabia, warning citizens and residents of significant weather fluctuations, including thunderstorms of varying intensity and flash floods in several areas. This forecast is part of ongoing monitoring of weather conditions to ensure everyone's safety and mitigate the potential impacts of these weather changes.

Climate change and transitional seasons in the Kingdom

Saudi Arabia is characterized by its great geographical and climatic diversity, making it susceptible to sharp weather fluctuations, especially during the transitional periods between seasons. Historically, large parts of the Arabian Peninsula experience the formation of cumulonimbus clouds at this time of year, resulting from the convergence of warm and cold air masses. This climatic interaction explains the current weather forecast for Sunday in Saudi Arabia, with increased chances of rainfall and active surface winds. These seasonal changes play a vital role in replenishing groundwater resources, despite the temporary challenges they may present, requiring early preparation.

Map of expected rainfall and wind

According to the official statement issued by the Meteorology Department, the forecast indicates continued thunderstorms ranging from moderate to heavy. These storms may lead to flash floods and will be accompanied by hail and strong winds that will stir up dust and sand. These winds are expected to cause near-zero horizontal visibility in parts of the regions of Madinah, Tabuk, Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders, Hail, Al-Qassim, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province.

In contrast, light to moderate rain is expected in parts of Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha and Makkah regions, with a high probability of dense fog forming during the early morning and late night hours in the highlands and parts of those regions, which calls for caution while driving on highways.

Expected impact of weather conditions on public life

These weather developments are of paramount importance at both the local and regional levels. Locally, the heavy rains and flash floods directly impact transportation, necessitating coordinated efforts from relevant authorities such as Civil Defense and Traffic Police to ensure smooth traffic flow and public safety. On the other hand, these rains are a boon to the agricultural sector, contributing to crop irrigation and enhancing vegetation cover, which the Kingdom is striving to expand as part of its pioneering environmental initiatives, such as the Saudi Green Initiative. Furthermore, the early warnings reflect the significant advancements in the Saudi meteorological system and its capacity to manage climate crises with high efficiency.

Maritime navigation conditions in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf

The weather report did not neglect to detail the state of maritime navigation, which is of interest to large sectors of fishermen and maritime and commercial transport companies.

Red Sea

• Surface winds: Southeasterly to southerly, gradually turning northwesterly and then northerly over the northern and central parts, with speeds ranging from 20 to 55 kilometers per hour.
• Wave height: from one and a half meters to two and a half meters.
• Sea conditions: Moderate to rough, requiring caution for visitors.

Arabian Gulf

• Surface winds: Northwesterly to northerly, turning northeasterly and then easterly in the afternoon at a speed of 10 to 35 kilometers per hour, and may reach 50 kilometers per hour with the formation of rain-bearing thunderclouds over the northern part.
• Wave height: from half a meter to one and a half meters, and may reach two and a half meters in areas of thunderstorms.
• Sea state: Light to moderate waves, occasionally becoming rough with thunderstorms.