Weather in Saudi Arabia: Thunderstorms and dust in these areas

The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued weather , indicating that the unstable weather conditions affecting large parts of the country will continue. The report stated that there remains a chance of moderate to heavy thunderstorms, accompanied by hail and strong winds that may stir up dust and sand.

Weather details and affected areas

According to the center's data, the weather conditions will affect parts of the Eastern Province, Riyadh, Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir, and Jazan . This will cause a significant decrease in horizontal visibility, necessitating caution while driving on highways and open roads. Meanwhile, active winds stirring up dust and sand will continue to affect parts of the Al-Jawf and Northern Borders regions, with the possibility of fog forming during the night and early morning hours, further complicating visibility.

Climate context and the importance of early warning

These weather fluctuations are part of the natural climate of Saudi Arabia, a country characterized by its diverse terrain and vast geographical area, making it susceptible to multiple weather systems simultaneously. The reports issued by the National Center of Meteorology play a vital role in maintaining public safety, as citizens, residents, and government agencies rely on them to plan daily activities and avoid potential hazards such as flash floods or poor visibility.

State of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf

Regarding maritime navigation, the report detailed wave and wind movements as follows:

• Red Sea: Surface winds are northwesterly to northerly in the northern and central parts, reaching speeds of up to 30 km/h, while in the southern part they are southeasterly to easterly, reaching speeds of up to 50 km/h with the formation of thunderstorms. Wave heights range from half a meter to two and a half meters in the southern part, making sea conditions rough in those areas.
• Arabian Gulf: Winds will shift to northwesterly at night, reaching speeds of up to 50 km/h, with thunderstorms expected in the northern part. Wave heights may exceed two meters in areas affected by thunderstorms, necessitating a warning to seafarers and fishermen.

Special alerts for the Eastern Province

The National Center for Meteorology issued advanced warnings for the Eastern Province, indicating that the cities of Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, Qatif, and Ras Tanura active winds and blowing dust starting at 9:00 AM and continuing until 6:00 PM. Wind speeds in these areas will reach between 40 and 49 kilometers per hour, leading to near-zero horizontal visibility.

The alerts also included other areas in the Eastern Province such as Al-Ahsa, Al-Udayd, Abqaiq, Al-Khafji, Al-Nu'ayriyah, Qaryat Al-Ulya, and Hafr Al-Batin, where horizontal visibility is expected to range between 3 and 5 kilometers only. The relevant authorities urge everyone to follow the ongoing weather forecasts and adhere to safety instructions during these fluctuations.