Weather forecast for Saudi Arabia on Sunday: Thunderstorms and strong winds

The National Center for Meteorology announced details of weather conditions in Saudi Arabia for Sunday, warning of significant weather fluctuations including thunderstorms of varying intensity, accompanied by active winds that will stir up dust and sand across large parts of 10 major regions in the Kingdom. These forecasts come amidst ongoing monitoring of the climatic changes the region experiences during this time of year.

The volatile climate and the role of the National Center for Meteorology

Historically, the Arabian Peninsula is characterized by transitional periods marked by sharp weather fluctuations, where warm and cold air masses collide, leading to the formation of thunderstorms and increased surface wind activity. In this context, the National Center for Meteorology plays a vital role in monitoring these changes and issuing early warnings to protect lives and property. These weather phenomena are part of the natural climatic cycle and contribute to replenishing the Kingdom's groundwater resources, which rely heavily on seasonal rainfall.

Rainfall map and expected weather phenomena

According to the official statement issued by the Meteorology Department, moderate to heavy thunderstorms are expected to continue, potentially leading to flash floods in valleys and ravines. These storms will be accompanied by hail and strong winds that will reduce horizontal visibility due to dust and sandstorms. This weather pattern will affect parts of the Eastern Province, the Northern Borders region, Hail, Qassim, Riyadh, Madinah, Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir, and Jazan. The report also indicated the possibility of dense fog forming during the night and early morning hours in parts of the highlands and these regions, urging caution while driving.

The impact of weather conditions in Saudi Arabia on daily life and vital sectors

These weather changes in Saudi Arabia tangible effects on several levels. Locally, the heavy rainfall supports the agricultural sector, particularly in the southern and southwestern regions such as Asir, Jazan, and Al-Baha, which rely on rain-fed agriculture and terraced farming. On the other hand, the heavy rainfall and resulting flash floods necessitate the mobilization of relevant authorities, such as Civil Defense and municipalities, to ensure the safety of infrastructure, manage stormwater drainage, and prevent traffic accidents. Regionally, these rainfall patterns reflect the movement of low-pressure systems affecting the Arabian Gulf region as a whole, reinforcing the importance of joint coordination in meteorology and maritime navigation.

Maritime navigation conditions in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf

The weather report also detailed the state of ports and maritime navigation, explaining the situation of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf as follows:

Red Sea

• Surface winds: Northwesterly to westerly at speeds of 10 to 28 km/h in the northern and central parts. Southeasterly to southerly in the southern part at speeds of 12-40 km/h, potentially reaching 50 km/h towards the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
• Wave height: It ranges from half a meter to one meter in the north and center, and from one meter to two meters in the south, reaching two and a half meters towards Bab al-Mandab.
• Sea conditions: Light waves in the north and center, and moderate to rough in the south towards the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

Arabian Gulf

• Surface winds: Northwesterly to northeasterly at a speed of 10-32 km/h in the north, and at a speed of 15-45 km/h in the central and southern parts, and may exceed 50 km/h with the formation of rain-bearing thunderclouds.
• Wave height: from half a meter to one and a half meters in the north, and from one meter to two meters in the center and south, and may exceed two meters with rainy thunderstorms.
• Sea state: Light to moderate waves in the north, and moderate to rough in the central and southern parts with the formation of thunderclouds.