Thunderstorms, rain, and subzero temperatures expected in Saudi Arabia
Just when you think winter is over…
It’s been a cold, cold winter here in Saudi Arabia, and just when we’ve been hearing that it might be coming to an end, the National Centre for Meteorology (NCM) warns of colder days ahead. This is what we know about the new weather alert in Saudi Arabia.
The National Centre for Meteorology (NCM) warns of light to moderate rainfall with active winds and thunderstorms affecting several governorates in the Makkah region, including Jeddah, Khulais, Al-Kamil, Rabigh, Adham, and Bahrah, according to Gulf News.
The centre said conditions may lead to reduced visibility, hail, flash floods, and high sea waves along coastal areas. There is also expected to be a cold wave taking over the Turaif Governorate in the Northern Borders Region. And when we say “cold wave,” we mean “cold wave” in all caps. Temperatures are expected to drop between 0°C and −3°C, accompanied by frost formation.
The details
According to the National Centre for Meteorology, moderate to heavy rain leading to flash floods and accompanied by hail may fall in parts of the Qassim, Northern Borders, Eastern, and Riyadh regions, per the Saudi Press Agency. We’re also told to expect moderate to heavy thunderstorms in Madinah, Hail, Tabuk, Al-Jouf, Northern Borders, Eastern Province, and northern Riyadh, bringing in possible flash floods and dust-raising winds.
Thunderclouds preceded by strong winds will reduce visibility in parts of the western and southwestern regions of the Kingdom. Fog may form in these parts, as well as parts of the Al-Jouf Region.
Winds over the Red Sea will be northwesterly to northerly in the northern and central parts and southeasterly to southwesterly in the southern part at speeds of 20-50 kilometres per hour. Waves may range from one meter to two and a half meters; the sea will be calm to choppy.
NCM directives
Residents are advised to exercise caution during thunderstorms and expect icy conditions in the north. Authorities have also urged residents to follow official weather updates and adhere to safety guidelines.
