Thunderstorms and strong winds expected across several Saudi regions Thursday

The National Center of Meteorology has forecast moderate to heavy thunderstorms on Thursday, with rainfall likely to cause flash floods and hail in parts of Jazan and Asir. Lighter to moderate rain is expected in areas of Makkah, Al-Baha, and Najran. Strong winds raising dust and sand will continue to affect these regions, as well as parts of Madinah, Riyadh, the Eastern Province, Northern Borders, and Al-Jouf. Temperatures are expected to rise further in the east and parts of central Saudi Arabia.

The report added that surface winds over the Red Sea will be northwesterly to westerly at 10–32 km/h in the north, and southwesterly to westerly at 10–25 km/h in the central and southern parts, reaching up to 50 km/h with the formation of thunderclouds in the south. Wave heights will range from half a meter to 1.5 meters in the north, and from half a meter to one meter in the central and southern sections, exceeding 2.5 meters in the south during thunderstorms. Sea conditions will be slight to moderate in the north, slight in the central and southern parts, and may become rough with thunderstorms in the south.

Surface winds over the Arabian Gulf will be northwesterly to northeasterly at 15–30 km/h, with wave heights from half a meter to 1.5 meters. The sea will be slight to moderate.