Weather forecast for the Kingdom for Sunday
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued its daily weather forecast for Sunday, indicating continued weather fluctuations across various parts of the country. The report warned of fog formation, thunderstorms, and strong surface winds in parts of six regions, urging citizens and residents to take precautions.
Details of the expected weather conditions
According to the center's statement, thunderstorms with rain, accompanied by active winds that may stir up dust and sand, are expected to continue over parts of the highlands of Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, and Makkah regions. The report indicated that this weather pattern may extend to parts of the highlands of Madinah region. The center also warned of the possibility of dense fog forming during the night and early morning hours in parts of these regions, as well as parts of the Eastern Province, which could significantly reduce horizontal visibility.
Climate context and the importance of forecasts
These forecasts come within the context of the diverse climate that characterizes the geography of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. While most regions enjoy a dry desert climate, the southwestern highlands, such as Asir and Al-Baha, experience a semi-arid to temperate climate and receive greater amounts of rainfall annually compared to other regions, especially during the spring and summer months. Accurate forecasts issued by the National Center of Meteorology play a vital role in protecting lives and property, contributing to raising public awareness and enabling relevant authorities, such as Civil Defense and Highway Patrol, to take the necessary precautions to address any emergency, such as flash floods in valleys or poor visibility on highways.
State of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
The report explained that the state of maritime navigation will witness variations in the Kingdom’s main water bodies.
Red Sea
- Surface winds: They will be northwesterly to northeasterly on the northern and central parts at a speed of between 12 and 28 km/h, while they will be southerly to southwesterly on the southern part at a speed of 15-40 km/h, and may reach a speed of 52 km/h towards the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
- Wave height: It ranges from half a meter to one and a half meters on the northern and central parts, and from one meter to two meters on the southern part, and may reach two and a half meters towards the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
- Sea conditions: Light to moderate waves in the north and center, and moderate to rough waves in the south, especially near the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Arabian Gulf
- Surface winds: Southeasterly to easterly in the northern part, and southeasterly to southwesterly in the central and southern parts, with speeds ranging between 10 and 28 km/h.
- Wave height: from half a meter to one meter.
- Sea conditions: Light waves, making it suitable for small marine activities.
