Thunderstorms in the south and dust storms affecting large areas of Saudi Arabia today

Saudi Arabia is experiencing a clear and remarkable weather contrast today, combining thunderstorms over the southwestern highlands with a noticeable increase in wind activity that stirs up dust and sand, extending widely to multiple areas in the center, north and east of the country.

Thunderstorms in the southern highlands

The National Center for Meteorology predicted in its daily report, God willing, thunderstorms over parts of Jazan, Asir and Al-Baha, with the possibility of them extending to the southern parts of the highlands of the Makkah region.

The chances of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and thunder forming over the mountains of western Saudi Arabia are renewed during the daytime hours.

Dust and strong winds on a widespread scale

Conversely, the impact of active winds stirring up dust and sand continues in the following areas:
Medina, Qassim, Hail, Tabuk, Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders, in addition to parts of the Eastern Province and the city of Riyadh.

These winds may lead to a decrease in horizontal visibility in some locations during the daytime.

Hot weather in the central and eastern regions

The report indicated that the weather will be hot to very hot in parts of the east and center of the Kingdom, with the hot air masses continuing to affect the region during the daytime.

Sea state

Red Sea:

Northwesterly to westerly winds at a speed of 15-30 km/h, wave height from half a meter to one and a half meters, and the sea state is slight to moderate waves.

The Arabian Gulf:

Westerly to northwesterly winds at a speed of 10-25 km/h, wave height from half a meter to one meter, and the sea state is slight.

This weather condition reflects a clear collision between humid air masses coming from the southwest and dry air masses affecting the north and center of the Kingdom, creating a state of atmospheric instability that leads to thunderstorms coinciding with dust activity at the same time.