Thunderstorms, strong winds and dust expected across Saudi Arabia Thursday

The National Center for Meteorology has forecasted moderate to heavy thunderstorms today, which may lead to flash floods, accompanied by hail and strong winds stirring dust and sand that could cause near-zero horizontal visibility in parts of Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, and Makkah, as well as in areas of Hail, Tabuk, Al-Jouf, and the Northern Borders. Lighter to moderate rain is expected in parts of Madinah and the southern areas of the Eastern Province. Dense fog may also form overnight and during early morning hours along the eastern coastal areas.

The report added that surface winds over the Red Sea will be northwesterly to northerly at 20–40 km/h, northwesterly to westerly at 15–36 km/h, and northwesterly to southwesterly at 15–30 km/h, reaching over 50 km/h with the formation of thunderclouds. Wave heights will range from half a meter to one meter, rising to more than two meters with thunderstorms, and sea conditions will be light to rough during stormy periods.

In the Arabian Gulf, surface winds will be northwesterly to northeasterly at 10–30 km/h, and northeasterly to northwesterly at 10–25 km/h, reaching up to 50 km/h with thunderclouds. Waves will be half a meter to one meter, rising to over two meters during thunderstorms, with sea conditions ranging from light to rough when thunderclouds are present.