Thunderstorms and strong winds expected across several regions Saturday

The National Center of Meteorology has forecast in its weather report for today that conditions are favorable for thunderstorms accompanied by hail and strong winds over parts of Najran, Jazan, Asir, and Al-Baha. The affected area may extend to parts of the highlands in the Makkah region. Active winds raising dust and sand are also expected in the eastern parts of these regions, potentially reducing horizontal visibility to near zero on the road between Wadi Al-Dawasir and Sharurah. Meanwhile, hot to extremely hot weather will persist in parts of the Eastern Province.

The report added that surface winds over the Red Sea will be northwesterly to northerly on the northern and central parts, and southwesterly to southeasterly on the southern part, at speeds of 12–36 km/h, reaching over 50 km/h with the formation of thunderclouds. Wave heights will range from half a meter to one and a half meters, rising to over two meters with thunderstorms in the southern part. Sea conditions will be light to moderate, becoming rough with thunderstorms in the southern section.

In the Arabian Gulf, surface winds will be northwesterly to westerly at 15–35 km/h in the northern part, and southeasterly to southwesterly at 10–25 km/h in the central and southern parts. Wave heights will range from half a meter to one and a half meters in the north, and from half a meter to one meter in the central and southern areas. Sea conditions will be light to moderate.