Weather forecast for Saudi Arabia on Friday
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued its daily weather forecast for Friday, indicating continued unstable weather conditions across large parts of the country. The report warned of thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds that could stir up dust and sand, potentially leading to near-zero visibility in 10 different regions.
Areas affected by rain and wind
According to the weather report, thunderstorms, which may be moderate to heavy at times, are expected to continue over the highlands of Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, and Makkah regions. These storms will be accompanied by strong winds that may reach high speeds, increasing the likelihood of flash floods in valleys and low-lying areas.
The center also predicted active surface winds stirring up dust and sand, affecting the eastern parts of the southwestern highlands and extending to parts of the Riyadh, Madinah, Qassim, Hail, Al-Jawf, and Northern Borders regions. The report did not rule out the possibility of light rain in the northernmost parts of the Kingdom.
The climatic context of weather fluctuations in the Kingdom
These forecasts come within the context of typical weather patterns in Saudi Arabia during the transitional periods between seasons, when the country is affected by air currents from various sources. The Kingdom's geography, particularly the Sarawat Mountains in the west, plays a vital role in the intensification of thunderstorms due to the lifting of moist air from the Red Sea. Conversely, vast deserts such as the Empty Quarter and the Great Nafud Desert contribute to providing a source of dust and sand carried by active winds across the regions, creating the well-known dust storms.
Expected effects and the importance of following guidelines
These weather phenomena have direct impacts on daily life and public safety. Dust-laden winds can cause a sharp decrease in horizontal visibility, posing a risk to land and air transportation, in addition to their health effects on those with respiratory illnesses and asthma. On the other hand, while rain is essential as a water source, its intensity can lead to flash floods, necessitating caution and avoiding valleys and wadis. The Saudi National Center for Meteorology and Civil Defense continuously emphasizes the importance of following alerts and warnings issued through official channels and exercising caution while driving in unstable weather conditions.
Sea conditions and maritime navigation
Red Sea
- Surface winds: Northwesterly to northerly on the northern and central parts at a speed of 15-30 km/h, and southeasterly to easterly on the southern part at a speed of 12-32 km/h, which may reach 50 km/h with the formation of thunderclouds.
- Wave height: from half a meter to one and a half meters, reaching more than two meters with the formation of thunderclouds on the southern part.
- Sea state: Light to moderate waves, possibly choppy with thunderstorms forming over the southern part.
Arabian Gulf
- Surface winds: Northwesterly to northerly at a speed of 15-38 km/h.
- Wave height: from half a meter to one and a half meters.
- Sea state: Light to moderate waves.
