The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued its daily weather report, warning of continued weather fluctuations across large parts of the country. The center predicted that the chance of thunderstorms, which may be moderate to heavy, will remain, accompanied by hail and strong winds that will stir up dust and reduce horizontal visibility. Affected areas include parts of the Eastern Province, Riyadh, Mecca, Al-Baha, Asir, and Jazan.
The climatic context of weather fluctuations
This weather pattern occurs during a transitional period in the Kingdom's atmosphere, known locally as the "Marawih" or "Sarayat" period. This time of year, between winter and summer, is characterized by the activity of low-pressure systems and the convergence of different air masses. Warm, humid air masses advance from the south and collide with colder air masses from the north, creating a state of extreme atmospheric instability. These conditions are ideal for the formation of cumulonimbus clouds that bring heavy rain and strong downdrafts, which explains the frequent warnings issued by the National Center for Meteorology during this period.
Expected effects and the importance of warnings
These weather phenomena have direct impacts on daily life and public safety. Active winds that stir up dust and sand not only affect those with respiratory illnesses and asthma, but also pose a real danger to traffic on highways due to the sharp decrease in visibility. Heavy rainfall, especially in mountainous areas and the southwestern highlands, increases the risk of flash floods in valleys and ravines. For this reason, the relevant authorities, primarily the General Directorate of Civil Defense, in coordination with the Meteorology Center, are issuing proactive warnings to citizens and residents, urging them to take precautions and stay away from floodplains and low-lying areas.
Weather details in the regions
In addition to the thunderstorms in the aforementioned areas, the impact of active winds stirring up dust and sand will continue in parts of the Al-Jawf and Northern Borders regions. The report did not rule out the possibility of fog forming during the night and early morning hours in parts of these areas, which would further reduce visibility.
The state of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf
Red Sea: Surface winds will be northwesterly to northerly in the northern and central parts, with speeds ranging from 15 to 30 km/h. In the southern part, winds will be southeasterly to easterly, reaching speeds of up to 32 km/h, and potentially increasing to 50 km/h with the development of thunderstorms. Wave heights will range from half a meter to one and a half meters, and may reach two and a half meters in the southern part with thunderstorms, resulting in a slight to moderate sea state, becoming rough in the south.
Arabian Gulf: Surface winds will be southeasterly to southerly, shifting to northwesterly at night with speeds ranging from 15 to 35 km/h, potentially reaching 50 km/h with the formation of rain-bearing thunderstorms over the northern part. Wave height will range from half a meter to one and a half meters, and may exceed two meters in the north, resulting in a slight to moderate sea state, becoming rough in areas affected by thunderstorms.
