Thunderstorms and strong winds forecast for several Saudi regions Saturday

The National Center for Meteorology anticipates severe thunderstorms, hail, and strong winds across various regions in southern and western Saudi Arabia on Saturday. The forecast predicts ongoing moderate to heavy rain, leading to possible flash flooding and hail in Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, Makkah, and Madinah. Thunderstorms are also anticipated over parts of Tabuk, Hail, Al-Jawf, and the Northern Borders Region, bringing gusty winds that could stir up dust and sand.

Additionally, winds over the Red Sea will blow from a northwesterly to northerly direction at speeds ranging from 20–45 km/h, occasionally exceeding 50 km/h during thunderstorms. Wave heights will fluctuate between half a meter and one and a half meters, occasionally surpassing two meters during stormy conditions, and sea states will be mild to moderate but may become rough with thunderstorms.

In the Arabian Gulf, surface winds will be northwesterly to northeasterly at speeds of 10–30 km/h, with wave heights ranging from half a meter to one meter, and the sea conditions will remain slight.