Thunderstorms and strong winds expected across several Saudi regions Thursday

Meteorological authorities anticipate thunderstorms, hail, and gusty winds across several Saudi regions on Thursday. The National Center for Meteorology predicts continued rain-bearing thunderclouds in Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, and higher altitude areas of Makkah. Southern Eastern Province and Riyadh may see cloud formations leading to rain and hail.

Winds in the Northern Borders, Qassim, Riyadh, and Najran regions are expected to be strong enough to stir up dust and sand, potentially reducing visibility to near zero in certain eastern coastal areas. Surface winds over the Red Sea are forecasted to be northwesterly to westerly, reaching speeds of 15-40 km/h, but could surge to over 50 km/h during thunderstorm activity.

Wave heights are expected to vary from half a meter to 1.5 meters, occasionally exceeding 2 meters in southern regions. Sea conditions will range from light to moderate, potentially becoming rougher in the southern Gulf area. In the Arabian Gulf, winds will be predominantly northwesterly to westerly, ranging from 20-45 km/h in the north and center, and 10-32 km/h to the north and center, and 10-32 km/h to the south. Wave heights will be 1-2 meters in the north and center, and 0.5-1.5 meters in the southern Gulf.