Heavy thunderstorms and flash floods expected across several Saudi regions

The National Center for Meteorology has issued a forecast predicting heavy thunderstorms, flash floods, hail, and strong winds across several regions of Saudi Arabia. In a report released on Friday, the center warned of moderate to heavy thunderstorms that could result in flash floods, accompanied by hail showers and gusty winds that may produce dust and sandstorms.

The affected areas include Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, Makkah, and Madinah. The forecast also mentions the potential for fog to develop during the early morning hours in some of these regions.

Additionally, the meteorological center expects thunderstorm clouds with robust winds to linger over parts of Hail, Tabuk, Al-Jouf, Northern Borders, and Najran, as well as the southern regions of the Eastern Province and Riyadh. Surface winds over the Red Sea are anticipated to blow from the northwesterly direction to westerly, ranging between 15 and 32 km/h in the northern section, and from northwesterly to southwesterly, between 10 and 30 km/h in the central and southern parts. Wind speeds may surge to over 50 km/h when thunderstorm clouds are present.

Wave heights in the Red Sea are projected to vary from half a meter to one and a half meters, potentially increasing to over two meters during thunderstorms. Sea conditions will fluctuate from gentle to moderate, but will become rougher under thunderclouds. On the Arabian Gulf, surface winds will shift from southwesterly to northwesterly during the day, transitioning to northwesterly at night over the northern and central areas, and to northwesterly to northeasterly over the southern section.

Wind speeds in this region are expected to range from 10 to 30 km/h. Wave heights will span from half a meter to one meter, with overall mild sea conditions.