Thunderstorms and strong winds expected across several Saudi regions Saturday

The National Center of Meteorology has forecast moderate to heavy thunderstorms, accompanied by hail and strong winds, over parts of Jazan and Asir on Saturday. Lighter to moderate rainfall is expected over the highlands of Al-Baha and Makkah. Hot to extremely hot conditions will persist in parts of the Eastern Province and Riyadh, with a chance of rain-bearing thunderclouds and strong winds in their southern areas as well as parts of Najran. Active winds stirring dust and sand are also expected in parts of Makkah, Madinah, and extending into Hail.

The report added that surface winds over the Red Sea will be northwesterly to westerly at 15–40 km/h, reaching over 50 km/h with the formation of thunderclouds in the southern part. Wave heights will range from half a meter to one and a half meters, rising above two meters during thunderstorms, with sea conditions varying from slight to moderate, becoming rough in the south during storms.

Over the Arabian Gulf, winds will shift from northwesterly to southwesterly, turning in the evening to southerly or southeasterly in the north, and southeasterly to northeasterly in the central and southern parts, at 10–32 km/h, exceeding 50 km/h with thunderstorms in the southern Gulf. Waves will range from half a meter to one and a half meters, rising above two meters during storms, with sea conditions from slight to moderate, becoming rough in the south during thunderstorms.