Thunderstorms and strong winds expected across Saudi Arabia on Thursday

The National Center for Meteorology has forecast moderate to heavy thunderstorms on Thursday, with rainfall expected to cause flash floods and hail over parts of Jazan and Asir. Lighter to moderate showers are likely in areas of Najran, Al-Baha, and the highlands of Makkah. Rain-bearing thunderclouds are also expected over parts of Riyadh and the Eastern Province, particularly in southern areas.

Active winds raising dust and sand will affect parts of these regions, with near-zero visibility possible along the coastal areas of Madinah and Makkah. High temperatures will persist in the Eastern Province and parts of Riyadh, Makkah, and Madinah.

The report noted that surface winds over the Red Sea will be northwesterly to westerly at 20-45 km/h in the northern and central parts, and 15-35 km/h in the south, reaching over 50 km/h in the central section. Thunderstorm clouds are expected in the southern Red Sea. Wave heights will range from one to two meters, reaching up to 2.5 meters in the central part, with moderate to rough seas, especially where thunderclouds form in the south.

In the Arabian Gulf, winds will be southwesterly to southeasterly in the north and central parts, and northeasterly to northwesterly in the south, at 10-28 km/h. Waves will be between half a meter and one meter, with generally slight sea conditions.