Winter weather in Saudi Arabia: Heavy thunderstorms and continuous flooding
Winter weather prevails in the Kingdom
The National Center for Meteorology reports that unstable winter weather continues to affect large areas of Saudi Arabia today, Thursday. The center forecasts heavy thunderstorms that may lead to flash floods in valleys and ravines, accompanied by hail and strong, gusty winds. These dust-laden winds are expected to cause near-zero visibility in parts of the Eastern Province, Riyadh, Madinah, Makkah, Al-Baha, and Asir regions.
Climate nature and typical weather fluctuations
The Arabian Peninsula is characterized by a unique geographical diversity that makes it susceptible to significant climatic fluctuations during the winter season. Historically, this time of year has been a crucial season for the arrival of low-pressure systems originating from the Mediterranean Sea or the Arabian Sea, which interact with the local topography to produce atmospheric instability. The Sarawat Mountains in the west and southwest play a significant role in the formation of cumulonimbus clouds, while the vast expanses of the central and eastern regions contribute to the activity of surface winds. This diversity makes monitoring weather forecasts essential for citizens and residents to ensure their safety.
The effects of rainfall on public life and the environment
This rainfall is of great importance both locally and regionally. From an environmental and agricultural perspective, it contributes to replenishing groundwater reserves and revitalizing vegetation in deserts and nature reserves, thus supporting ecological balance and mitigating desertification. On a daily basis, the heavy rainfall and resulting flash floods necessitate a mobilization of relevant authorities, such as civil defense, to ensure the safety of infrastructure and secure roads. Authorities consistently issue strict directives urging people to stay away from valleys and floodplains to avoid any potential risks to life and property.
Rainfall and chances of snowfall
In addition to the aforementioned areas, moderate to heavy weather conditions are expected across parts of the Northern Borders, Al-Jawf, Tabuk, Hail, Al-Qassim, Jazan, and Najran regions, with a chance of dense fog reducing visibility in the early morning hours. In a recurring annual phenomenon that attracts nature enthusiasts, there remains a chance of snowfall in parts of the Tabuk highlands, adding a unique aesthetic touch to these northern mountains.
Navigation conditions in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
Regarding the sea conditions, the report indicated that surface winds over the Red Sea will be northwesterly to westerly in the northern part, and southwesterly to northwesterly in the central and southern parts, with speeds ranging from 30 to 60 km/h, potentially exceeding 65 km/h with the formation of thunderstorms. Wave heights will range from 1.5 to 3 meters, resulting in a moderate to rough sea state. In the Arabian Gulf, southeasterly to southerly winds will be active at speeds of 25-55 km/h, reaching over 60 km/h with thunderstorms. Wave heights will range from 1.5 to 2 meters, resulting in a moderate to rough sea state.
Red alerts issued amid exceptional winter weather in the Eastern Province
The National Center for Meteorology issued a red alert for the Eastern Province, warning of heavy rains expected to affect large parts of the region today, Thursday. This weather phenomenon will begin at 11:00 AM in some areas and at 1:00 PM in others, continuing until 9:00 PM. This advanced warning includes the cities and governorates of Hafr Al-Batin, Khafji, Nairyah, Qaryat Al-Ulya, Al-Ahsa, Al-Udayd, Abqaiq, Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, Dhahran, Qatif, and Ras Tanura. The rains will be accompanied by strong winds, reduced horizontal visibility, hail, flash floods, and severe thunderstorms.
