Thunderstorms and strong winds expected across several Saudi regions Thursday

The National Center of Meteorology has forecast continued moderate to heavy thunderstorms today, bringing flash floods and hail to parts of Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, Makkah, and Madinah. Thunderclouds are also expected to form over parts of Tabuk, Al-Jouf, and the Northern Borders region. Active winds stirring dust and sand will affect these areas, while fog may develop along the coastal parts of Makkah and the Eastern Province.

The report noted that surface winds over the Red Sea will be northwesterly to northerly at 15–40 km/h, reaching up to 45 km/h toward the Gulf of Aqaba. Northwesterly to northeasterly winds will blow at 10–32 km/h, exceeding 50 km/h during thunderstorms. Wave heights will range from half a meter to one and a half meters, rising above two meters during thunderstorms, with sea conditions from slight to moderate, becoming rough with thunderclouds.

In the Arabian Gulf, surface winds will be northwesterly to southwesterly at 8–25 km/h, shifting to southwesterly to northwesterly at similar speeds. Wave heights will range from half a meter to one meter, with slight sea conditions.