Thunderstorms and strong winds forecast for several Saudi regions on Thursday

The National Center of Meteorology has forecast continued moderate to heavy thunderstorms on Thursday, with downpours likely to cause flash floods and hail in parts of Jazan, Asir, and Al-Baha. Lighter to moderate rainfall is expected in areas of Makkah, Madinah, and Najran. Surface winds raising dust and sand will affect these regions as well as parts of Tabuk, Hail, Al-Jouf, and the Northern Borders. Fog may also form overnight and in the early morning along the coastal areas of Makkah, Madinah, and the Eastern Province.

The report added that surface winds over the Red Sea will be northerly to northwesterly at 18–40 km/h, northwesterly to westerly at 10–35 km/h, and southeasterly to southwesterly at 10–32 km/h, reaching over 50 km/h during thunderstorms. Wave heights will range from half a meter to one and a half meters, exceeding two meters with thunderclouds. Sea conditions will be slight to moderate, becoming rough during thunderstorms.

In the Arabian Gulf, surface winds will be northwesterly to westerly at 12–30 km/h and northwesterly to southwesterly at 10–30 km/h. Waves will be half a meter to one meter high, with slight sea conditions.