Thunderstorms and strong winds expected across several Saudi regions Thursday

The National Center of Meteorology has forecast moderate to heavy thunderstorms for today, with rainfall likely to cause flash floods, accompanied by hail and strong winds raising dust and sand in parts of Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, and Makkah. Lighter to moderate rain is expected in parts of Madinah, Hail, Qassim, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province. Fog may also form in these areas, as well as in parts of Tabuk, Al-Jouf, and the Northern Borders region.

The report noted that surface winds over the Red Sea will be northwesterly to northerly at 20–42 km/h in the northern and central parts, and southeasterly to southwesterly at 12–35 km/h, reaching over 50 km/h in the southern part. Wave heights will range from half a meter to one and a half meters, with sea conditions from slight to moderate, becoming rough at times.

In the Arabian Gulf, winds will be northwesterly to northerly at 20–45 km/h, and northwesterly to westerly at 18–45 km/h in the southern part. Waves are expected to reach one to two meters, with sea conditions moderate to rough.