Thunderstorms and flash floods expected across southern and western Saudi Arabia

The National Center for Meteorology has issued a forecast of heavy thunderstorms and potential flash floods for today in southern and western Saudi Arabia. The agency predicts moderate to heavy thunderstorms over Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, and Makkah, conditions that could lead to flash floods and hail showers. Light to moderate rain is also expected in parts of Madinah, as thunderclouds form over Hail, Al-Jouf, and the Northern Borders region.

Along with the rain, winds will be strong enough to stir up dust and sand, which could further reduce visibility. In the Red Sea, surface winds will blow from a northwesterly to northerly direction at speeds ranging from 20 to 45 km/h. Thunderclouds are expected to bring rain to the area, with wave heights that could reach up to two meters during storms.

Sea conditions are anticipated to be light to moderate but may become rough at times. Meanwhile, in the Arabian Gulf, surface winds will blow from a northwesterly to westerly direction at speeds between 8 and 30 km/h, while winds from the northwesterly to southwesterly direction will range from 8 to 25 km/h. Wave heights in the Arabian Gulf are expected to be between half a meter and one meter, with generally calm sea conditions.