Thunderstorms, heavy rain and hail forecast for several Saudi regions

The National Center of Meteorology has forecast moderate to heavy thunderstorms on Saturday, which may cause flash floods, accompanied by strong winds and hail in parts of Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, and Makkah regions. Lighter to moderate rain is expected in parts of Madinah, with possible fog formation in these areas as well as in parts of Tabuk, Hail, and Qassim. Dust-raising surface winds are also expected in parts of the Eastern Province and Riyadh.

The report noted that surface winds over the Red Sea will be northwesterly to northeasterly at 15-30 km/h in the northern part, northwesterly to southwesterly at 15-30 km/h—reaching over 50 km/h in the central part—and southeasterly to southwesterly at 15-30 km/h, exceeding 60 km/h in the southern part. Wave heights will range from half a meter to one and a half meters, exceeding two meters in some areas, with sea conditions varying from slight to moderate, becoming rough at times.

Over the Arabian Gulf, winds will be northwesterly to northerly at 20-40 km/h in the northern sector and 20-45 km/h in the southern sector. Wave heights are expected between one and a half to two meters, with moderate sea conditions.