Saudi Arabia records 13 dust storm incidents on Wednesday: regional center

Heavy thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds are forecasted to hit several regions of Saudi Arabia on Thursday. Moderate to heavy rainfalls are expected, leading to potential flash floods and hail damage in Jazan and Asir. Lighter to moderate showers are anticipated in Najran, Al-Baha, and the highlands of Makkah. Thunderclouds carrying rain are expected to overfly Riyadh and the Eastern Province, especially in southern areas.

Along with rainfall, active winds are predicted, raising dust and sand, which could lead to near-zero visibility in certain coastal areas of Madinah and Makkah. High temperatures will continue in the Eastern Province and parts of Riyadh, Makkah, and Madinah.

Surface winds over the Red Sea are anticipated to blow from the northwesterly to westerly direction at speeds ranging from 20-45 km/h in the northern and central parts, 15-35 km/h in the south, and potentially exceeding 50 km/h in the central section. Thunderstorm clouds are expected to form in the southern Red Sea. Wave heights along the coast are predicted to range from one to two meters, increasing to up to 2.5 meters in the central part, accompanied by moderate to rough seas, particularly where thunderclouds form in the south.

In the Arabian Gulf, winds will blow from the southwesterly to southeasterly direction in the north and central parts, and northeasterly to northwesterly in the south, at speeds ranging from 10-28 km/h. Wave heights will vary between half a meter and one meter, with generally minimal sea conditions.