Today's weather forecast: Heavy thunderstorms and flash floods in Saudi Arabia
The climate of Saudi Arabia is constantly changing, requiring close monitoring. In this context, the National Center for Meteorology has released details of weather conditions for today, Tuesday, across the Kingdom. These forecasts are part of ongoing efforts to enhance public safety, as moderate to heavy thunderstorms are expected to continue, potentially leading to flash floods in valleys and low-lying areas.
Details of the weather conditions and accompanying atmospheric phenomena
The report issued by the center explained that these rains will be accompanied by hail showers, in addition to active surface winds that will stir up dust and sand, potentially affecting horizontal visibility. These forecasts cover large parts of the Riyadh, Najran, Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, Makkah, and Madinah regions. The chance of rain also extends to parts of the Hail and Qassim regions, with a high probability of dense fog forming during the early morning and night hours, necessitating caution from drivers on highways.
The impact of climate change on infrastructure and society
Historically, the Arabian Peninsula has been a region of harsh geography and climate, characterized by sudden and heavy rainfall during seasonal transitions. While this rainfall plays a vital role in replenishing groundwater and supporting vegetation, it also poses a challenge to infrastructure. Therefore, relevant authorities, such as the General Directorate of Civil Defense, place paramount importance on issuing early warnings to protect lives and property, emphasizing the need to stay away from valleys and floodplains during rainfall. This reflects the significant development in the Kingdom's crisis and disaster management system, in line with the objectives of Vision 2030.
Maritime traffic in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
On the maritime front, which holds significant regional and international importance given that the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf are among the most vital waterways for global trade, the report indicated that surface winds over the Red Sea will be northwesterly to northeasterly in the northern and central parts, and southeasterly to southerly in the southern part. Wind speeds will range from 15 to 35 km/h, potentially reaching 45 km/h towards the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aqaba. Wave heights will range from half a meter to one and a half meters, reaching up to two meters in some areas, resulting in a slight to moderate sea state.
In the Arabian Gulf, surface winds are northerly to northwesterly at speeds ranging from 15 to 35 km/h, reaching up to 45 km/h in the central and southern parts. Wave heights are similar to those in the Red Sea, ranging from half a meter to one and a half meters, and reaching up to two meters, resulting in a slight to moderate sea state. This requires caution from fishermen and shipping companies to ensure the safety of maritime operations.
Rainfall continues in the eastern region
In a related development, the National Center for Meteorology issued special alerts for the Eastern Province, where moderate rainfall is expected to continue in parts of the region until noon today, Tuesday. This alert specifically includes the governorates of Al-Ahsa, Al-Udayd, and Buqayq. These rains will be accompanied by strong winds leading to near-zero horizontal visibility, as well as hail, flash floods, and thunderstorms. These ongoing updates underscore the crucial role of accurate weather monitoring in mitigating potential risks and supporting the stability of daily life and the economy across the Kingdom.
