Weather forecast for Saudi Arabia on Monday: Thunderstorms and snow

The National Center for Meteorology announced details of weather conditions in Saudi Arabia for Monday, warning of unstable weather including thunderstorms, strong surface winds, and the possibility of snow in some mountainous areas. These forecasts come as part of ongoing monitoring of the climatic changes the Kingdom experiences during this time of year.

Rain and wind forecasts for different regions

According to the meteorological report, moderate to heavy thunderstorms are expected, potentially leading to flash floods in valleys and ravines. These storms will be accompanied by hail and strong winds that will stir up dust and reduce horizontal visibility. This weather pattern will affect large parts of the Eastern Province, Riyadh, Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir, Jazan, and Najran.

The effects also extend to parts of the Qassim, Hail, Madinah, Tabuk, Al-Jawf and Northern Borders regions, with chances of dense fog forming during the early morning hours in parts of those regions.

The possibility of snowfall and its impact on the weather in Saudi Arabia

In a weather phenomenon that lends a distinctive winter character to the region, the report did not rule out light snowfall in parts of the Tabuk mountain range, specifically in the Al-Lawz, Al-Aqan, and Al-Dahr mountains. These areas are a favorite tourist destination for citizens and residents alike, who come to enjoy the exceptional winter weather that blankets the mountains in white.

Fluctuating climate: the defining characteristic of transitional seasons

Historically, the Arabian Peninsula has been characterized by sharp weather fluctuations during the transitional periods between seasons. Sudden changes in temperature and heavy rainfall over short periods are part of the Kingdom's climatic nature. In recent years, an increase in the frequency of exceptional rainfall events has been observed, which meteorologists attribute to global climate change affecting the paths of low-pressure systems and the distribution of rainfall in the Middle East region, making monitoring weather forecasts crucial.

Expected impacts of rainfall on daily life and agriculture

These weather changes have tangible effects on several levels. Locally, the heavy rainfall contributes to replenishing groundwater reserves and irrigating farms, positively impacting the agricultural sector and vegetation cover. However, these conditions necessitate extreme caution from drivers and highway users to avoid accidents caused by skidding or reduced visibility due to fog and dust. Relevant authorities, such as Civil Defense and Traffic Police, are also raising their level of preparedness to manage water accumulations and ensure smooth traffic flow and the safety of lives and property.

Navigation conditions in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf

Red Sea

• Surface winds: Northerly to northeasterly at a speed of 10-30 km/h in the northern part, and southerly to southeasterly at a speed of 15-40 km/h in the central and southern parts, reaching more than 50 km/h with the formation of rain-bearing thunderclouds.
• Wave height: from half a meter to one and a half meters, and reaches more than two meters with thunderstorms.
• Sea state: Light to moderate waves, becoming rough with the formation of rain-bearing thunderclouds.

Arabian Gulf

• Surface winds: Southerly to southeasterly at a speed of 12-35 km/h, reaching more than 50 km/h with the formation of rain-bearing thunderclouds.
• Wave height: from half a meter to one and a half meters, and reaches more than two meters with thunderstorms.
• Sea state: Light to moderate waves, becoming rough with the formation of rain-bearing thunderclouds.