The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will experience a state of general atmospheric instability in the coming hours, as the National Center for Meteorology issued a report stating that most regions will be affected by weather fluctuations ranging from thunderstorms and active winds that stir up dust and waves of dense fog, which calls for caution and vigilance, especially for those who travel on highways and go to the sea.
Weather details and affected areas
According to data from the National Center for Meteorology, the Kingdom's weather map indicates significant surface wind activity stirring up dust and sand, which may reduce horizontal visibility and possibly eliminate it altogether at times. This condition is particularly concentrated in parts of the Tabuk, Al-Jawf, and Northern Borders regions. These winds coincide with a chance of light rain, which will moderate the weather in those northern areas.
Conversely, the area affected by thunderstorms and rain extends across a wide geographical range, with rainfall accompanied by active winds expected in parts of Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, and Makkah regions, reaching as far as the capital, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province. The forecast is not limited to rain; the center also warned of fog formation that will reduce visibility, especially during the night and early morning hours, in parts of the aforementioned regions, as well as Hail, Qassim, and Madinah.
Sea conditions and expected temperatures
Regarding maritime navigation, forecasts indicate rough conditions in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf. In the Red Sea, northerly to northwesterly winds are blowing across the northern and central parts, while southeasterly winds shifting to southerly winds are blowing across the southern part, with speeds reaching up to 50 km/h. This will raise waves to more than two meters, transforming the sea from calm to rough. As for the Arabian Gulf, it will experience fluctuating wind directions with high waves, particularly in its northern and central areas.
Regarding temperatures, the mountainous highlands are recording a noticeable decrease, with the minimum temperature in Al-Soudah reaching 4 degrees Celsius, in Sakaka 5 degrees, and in Tarif 6 degrees, while the weather remains relatively warm in other areas, with Sharurah recording the highest maximum temperature at 31 degrees Celsius, followed by Makkah and Jazan at 30 degrees.
Climate context and the importance of warnings
These weather fluctuations occur during the transitional period the Kingdom typically experiences between seasons. This period is characterized by rapid and sharp changes in weather patterns due to the Kingdom's vast geographical area and diverse terrain, encompassing coastlines, mountains, and deserts. These weather forecasts are of paramount importance to ensuring the safety of citizens and residents, as these phenomena directly impact intercity traffic, air and sea navigation, and agricultural activities.
In such weather conditions, experts advise following the official bulletins issued by the National Center for Meteorology on a regular basis, and adhering to the instructions of the Civil Defense, especially when driving in areas experiencing heavy dust or fog, and staying away from flood channels and valleys in rainy areas.
