Thunderstorms in Saudi Arabia: Weather warnings until Friday
The National Center for Meteorology announced forecasts of continued thunderstorms across Saudi Arabia, affecting most regions of the Kingdom, from Monday, April 6th to Friday, April 10th. These forecasts are part of the center's regular monitoring of weather conditions. Rainfall is expected to range from moderate to heavy, accompanied by active surface winds that may stir up dust and sand. There is also a possibility of flash floods, hail, high waves along the coast, and even the formation of waterspouts in some coastal areas.
The nature of the spring climate and typical weather fluctuations
Seasonal transitions, particularly in spring, are among the times of most extreme weather fluctuations in the Arabian Peninsula. Historically, this period is characterized by the activity of cumulonimbus clouds, which frequently bring heavy rainfall. These seasonal rains play a vital role in replenishing groundwater resources and promoting vegetation growth in many desert and mountainous regions, positively impacting the local environment and agriculture.
Impact of the rainy weather on Mecca and Al-Baha
The center's report indicated that the Makkah region will be affected by moderate to heavy rainfall, including Taif, Maysan, Adham, Al-Ardiyat, Turabah, Al-Muwayh, Al-Khurmah, and Ranyah, from Tuesday, April 7th, until Friday. In the Al-Baha region, the affected areas include Al-Makhwah, Al-Hajrah, Ghamid Al-Zanad, and Qalwah, in addition to Al-Baha, Al-Mandaq, Bani Hassan, Al-Qura, Al-Aqiq, and Baljurashi, with the heaviest rainfall expected on Thursday and Friday.
Heavy rains concentrated in the southern highlands
In Asir, the governorates of Tarib, Dhahran Al Janoub, Al Harjah, Sarat Abidah, Khamis Mushait, Abha, Al Majardah, Mahayil, Bariq, Rijal Alma, Tanomah, Al Namas, Tathlith, Bisha, Al Farsha, and Balqarn are experiencing similar rainfall, which is expected to intensify towards the end of the week. The weather system also extends to the Jazan region, encompassing various governorates such as Al Reeth, Haroub, Al Dayer, Al Eidabi, Fifa, Al Aridhah, Sabya, and Baysh. The Najran region is experiencing moderate to heavy rainfall, including in Najran, Badr Al Janoub, Habuna, Yadmah, Thar, and Khubash, while Sharurah is experiencing light to moderate rain.
Thunderstorms extend to the capital and surrounding areas
The forecast also includes the Riyadh region, with moderate to heavy rainfall expected in Wadi Al-Dawasir, As-Sulayyil, and Al-Aflaj, while Riyadh city, Al-Quway'iyah, Ad-Dawadmi, Afif, Shaqra, Al-Majma'ah, and Az-Zulfi will experience light to moderate rain. The effects will extend to the Qassim, Hail, Al-Jawf, and Tabuk regions, with scattered light rain expected throughout the week.
Weather in the Eastern Province and Northern Borders
In the Eastern Province, the cities of Abqaiq, Nairyah, Khobar, Qatif, Ras Tanura, Jubail, Dammam, and Al-Ahsa will be affected by light to moderate rain on Wednesday and Thursday, along with Hafr Al-Batin and Khafji. The Northern Borders region (Tarif, Arar, Rafha) will also experience light rainfall.
Effects of thunderstorms in Saudi Arabia and safety guidelines
have Thunderstorms in Saudi Arabia a tangible impact on daily life, contributing to cooler temperatures and a decrease in overall temperature, but they also necessitate extreme caution. Downdrafts, which can reach speeds of up to 60 km/h, affect horizontal visibility and maritime navigation. Locally, relevant authorities are mobilizing their resources to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and the drainage of floodwaters. The National Center for Meteorology emphasized the importance of following early warning bulletins through official channels and staying away from valleys and floodplains to protect lives and property.
