Thunderstorms and strong winds forecast across several Saudi regions Thursday

The National Center of Meteorology has forecast continued moderate to heavy thunderstorms, accompanied by hail and strong winds stirring dust and sand, on Thursday across parts of Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, Makkah, and Madinah. Fog may also form over these regions and along the eastern coastal areas. Light to moderate thunderstorms with strong winds are also expected in parts of Al-Jouf, Hail, the Northern Borders, and the northern areas of Al-Qassim and the Eastern Province.

The report noted that surface winds over the Red Sea will be northwesterly to northerly at speeds of 20–45 km/h, and southeasterly to northeasterly at 10–35 km/h, reaching over 50 km/h with thundercloud formation. Wave heights will range from half a meter to one and a half meters, exceeding two meters during thunderstorms, with sea conditions from slight to moderate, becoming rough at times.

In the Arabian Gulf, surface winds will be northerly to northwesterly, shifting in the evening to southeasterly and southerly at 10–36 km/h, and northwesterly to northerly, turning easterly and northeasterly after noon at 10–35 km/h. Wave heights will range from half a meter to one and a half meters, with sea conditions from slight to moderate.