Heavy thunderstorms and flash floods forecast for several Saudi regions

The National Center for Meteorology has forecast continued moderate to heavy thunderstorms on Saturday across parts of Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, and Makkah, warning that these conditions may lead to flash floods, hail showers, and strong winds raising dust and sand.

The report added that light to moderate rain is also expected in parts of Madinah and Najran. Fog formation is possible overnight and early morning along coastal areas of Makkah, Madinah, and the Eastern Province.

Wind and sea conditions

The center noted that surface winds over the Red Sea will be northwesterly to northerly at 20–42 km/h, shifting to westerly and northwesterly at 12–42 km/h in the afternoon. Southeastern to southwesterly winds at 10–32 km/h may exceed 50 km/h during thunderstorms.

Wave heights in the Red Sea will range from half a meter to one and a half meters, possibly exceeding two meters during thunderstorms. Sea conditions will be slight to moderate, becoming rough at times.

In the Arabian Gulf, surface winds will be southeasterly to southwesterly at 10–25 km/h, turning northerly to northeasterly at 8–25 km/h. Waves will rise from half a meter to one meter, with slight sea conditions expected.