Weather forecast in Saudi Arabia today, Monday
The National Center for Meteorology issued its daily weather forecast for Monday across Saudi Arabia, indicating the continuation of the unstable weather conditions currently affecting the country. According to the report, there is a chance of thunderstorms of varying intensity, possibly accompanied by hail, across wide areas including the Northern Borders, Al-Jawf, Tabuk, Hail, and Madinah regions. The effects will also extend to the highlands of the Makkah and Al-Baha regions, necessitating caution.
Along with the rain, surface winds are expected to pick up, stirring up dust and sand, which will reduce horizontal visibility in parts of the aforementioned regions, as well as the Riyadh and Qassim regions. The center also warned of the possibility of fog forming during the night and early morning hours in parts of the Eastern Province and the southwestern highlands of the Kingdom.
The climatic context of weather fluctuations in the Kingdom
This weather pattern is typical of the Arabian Peninsula's climate during seasonal transitions. These periods are characterized by the convergence of different air masses, with low-pressure systems moving eastward from the Mediterranean basin, causing atmospheric instability. The Kingdom's diverse topography, from the towering Hijaz Mountains in the west to the vast Rub' al Khali desert in the east, plays a vital role in shaping and distributing these weather phenomena. Rainfall at this time of year is crucial for agriculture and for replenishing groundwater reserves in this predominantly desert environment, upon which many oases and agricultural areas depend.
Expected effects and the importance of following warnings
These weather conditions have direct impacts on daily life. Heavy rains can lead to flash floods in valleys and ravines, posing a danger to hikers and motorists in those areas. Meanwhile, strong, dust-laden winds affect those with respiratory illnesses and asthma, and reduce visibility, potentially disrupting land and air transport. Relevant authorities, such as the General Directorate of Civil Defense and the Highway Patrol, are issuing proactive warnings and directives to citizens and residents, urging them to stay away from floodplains and exercise caution while driving. Regionally, dust storms can affect air traffic in neighboring countries, while sea conditions can impact maritime navigation in vital waterways.
Sea conditions and navigation
Red Sea
Surface winds: Southeasterly to southwesterly on the northern and central parts at a speed of 10-25 km/h, and southerly to southeasterly on the southern part at a speed of 20-45 km/h, and may reach a speed of 55 km/h towards the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Wave height: It ranges from half a meter to one meter in the north and center, and from one meter to two meters in the south, reaching more than two and a half meters near the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Sea conditions: Light waves in the northern and central parts, and moderate to rough waves in the southern part, especially towards the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Arabian Gulf
Surface winds: Northeasterly to northwesterly in the northern and central parts, and southwesterly to northwesterly in the southern part, with speeds ranging between 10-25 km/h.
Wave height: from half a meter to one meter.
Sea state: Generally calm.
