Saudi Arabia weather: Heavy thunderstorms expected in 8 regions on Saturday

The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia announced details of the expected weather conditions for Saturday, issuing important warnings to citizens and residents about heavy thunderstorms across large parts of the country. These warnings come as part of the authorities' commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property, as several regions are experiencing significant weather fluctuations that require caution.

Fluctuating climate: A history of weather changes in the Kingdom

Historically, the Arabian Peninsula, and Saudi Arabia in particular, is known for its climatic transition periods characterized by sharp weather fluctuations. During the spring and autumn seasons, warm, humid air masses from the south collide with cold air masses from the north, leading to the formation of massive cumulonimbus clouds. This natural phenomenon, a regular feature of the Kingdom's climate record, has long been a source of abundant rainfall that replenishes groundwater, but it also necessitates early preparation to manage flash floods in valleys and low-lying areas.

According to the official statement issued by the Meteorology Department, heavy thunderstorms are expected to continue, leading to flash floods, accompanied by hail and strong winds. This weather pattern will primarily affect parts of the Jazan, Asir, and Al-Baha regions. Moderate to heavy rainfall is also expected in parts of the Najran, Makkah, Riyadh, Eastern Province, and Northern Borders regions. Weather experts do not rule out the possibility of thunderstorms and rain in parts of the Qassim and Hail regions.

The impact of heavy thunderstorms on public life and the economy

are Heavy thunderstorms of paramount importance and have multifaceted impacts. Locally, these rains contribute to bolstering the Kingdom's strategic water reserves by filling dams, positively impacting the agricultural sector and vegetation development. However, the intensity of the rainfall and resulting flash floods may temporarily disrupt transportation, necessitating the activation of emergency plans by Civil Defense and other relevant authorities to ensure smooth traffic flow and public safety. Regionally, these successive rainfall events reflect the climate changes occurring in the Middle East, where extreme weather phenomena are becoming more frequent, prompting countries in the region to strengthen cooperation in meteorological monitoring and early warning systems.

In a related context, the report indicated that active winds stirring up dust and sand will affect other areas, where horizontal visibility may reach almost zero in parts of the aforementioned areas, in addition to parts of the Al-Jawf and Tabuk regions, which requires drivers to exercise extreme caution on highways.

Maritime navigation conditions in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf

Regarding maritime navigation, the National Center of Meteorology has provided details of the situation in Bahrain to guide fishermen and seafarers:

Red Sea

• Surface winds: Northerly to northwesterly at speeds ranging from 15 to 40 km/h over the northern and central parts, while northwesterly to southwesterly at speeds of 10-30 km/h, reaching up to 60 km/h with the formation of rain-bearing thunderclouds over the southern part.
• Wave height: ranging from one meter to one and a half meters in the northern and central parts, and from half a meter to one meter, reaching more than two meters with the formation of rain-bearing thunderclouds in the south.
• Sea state: Light to moderate waves in the north and center, and light to moderate waves with rainy thunderstorms in the southern part.

Arabian Gulf

• Surface winds: Northeasterly to southeasterly at a speed of 15-30 km/h, and may reach more than 45 km/h with the formation of rain-bearing thunderclouds.
• Wave height: from half a meter to one and a half meters, and it reaches more than two meters with rainy thunderstorms.
• Sea state: Light to moderate waves, becoming rough in conjunction with the formation of rain-bearing thunderclouds.