JEDDAH – Unstable weather conditions continue to affect large parts of Saudi Arabia, prompting the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) to issue updated alerts and marine forecasts. The NCM’s color-coded warning system, designed to inform the public of potential weather hazards, currently has several regions under yellow and orange alerts. These forecasts address risks ranging from reduced visibility and thunderstorms to potential flash floods, impacting travel and daily routines across the Kingdom.
The alerts, released on Wednesday, cover areas in the Makkah, Asir, Al-Baha, and Jazan regions, with potential impacts extending to Madinah, Qassim, Hail, Riyadh, the Eastern Region, Tabuk, Al-Jouf, and the Northern Borders. The NCM also provided specific marine forecasts for both the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf, crucial for maritime activities and coastal communities. Residents and visitors are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions as the situation develops.
Understanding Saudi Arabia’s Weather Hazard Alerts
The NCM utilizes a three-tiered color-coded system to communicate the severity of approaching weather. Yellow alerts signify potential risks like reduced visibility due to dust, isolated thunderstorms, and active winds, requiring individuals to be aware and prepared. Orange alerts indicate a higher level of danger, with forecasts for moderate rainfall, hail, strong winds, and the possibility of flash floods. This level necessitates heightened vigilance and proactive safety measures. Red alerts, currently inactive, represent the most severe conditions requiring immediate action to protect life and property.
Current Regional Alerts
As of Wednesday, portions of the Makkah region are under a yellow alert. Specifically, Al-Shua’iba and Al-Laith are forecast to experience light rainfall between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Al-Qunfudah is expected to have similar conditions from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., while light rain is predicted for Makkah city and Al-Jumum between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. These conditions, while not extreme, could lead to slippery roads and reduced visibility.
More significant conditions are predicted for several governorates in the Asir region, currently under an orange alert. Abha, Uhd Rufaida, Al-Nimas, Balqarn, Tanuma, Khamis Mushait, and Rijal Almaa are forecast to receive moderate rainfall and thunderstorms between 1 a.m. and 8 a.m. on Wednesday. This increases the risk of flash floods in low-lying areas and wadis.
Broader Weather Outlook and Potential Impacts
The NCM warns that the atmospheric patterns are conducive to further development of moderate to heavy thunderstorms across several regions. These storms are most likely to produce flash floods in Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir, and Jazan. Falling temperatures and dust storms may also occur in parts of these areas, impacting air quality and visibility.
Additionally, light to moderate thunderstorms are possible in Madinah, Qassim, Hail, Riyadh, and the Eastern Region. Higher elevations in Jazan could also experience similar conditions. The possibility of rainfall extending into Tabuk, Al-Jouf, and the Northern Borders is also being monitored. This widespread potential for wet weather conditions underscores the need for preparedness throughout the country.
Marine Forecasts – Red Sea and Arabian Gulf
The NCM’s marine forecasts are vital for sailors, fishermen, and port operations. For the Red Sea, northwesterly winds are predicted along the northern and central coasts, while southwesterly winds are expected in the southern areas. Wind speeds are generally expected to be between 10–35 km/h, but could exceed 50 km/h during periods of thunderstorm activity. Wave heights may reach over 2 meters, creating rough seas during storms.
In contrast, the Arabian Gulf is forecast to have more moderate conditions. Northwesterly winds are expected at 10–35 km/h, with wave heights between 0.5 and 1.5 meters. Overall, sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf are anticipated to be light to moderate. These forecasts take into account factors like wind strength, wave height, and the potential for rough seas.
The NCM will continue to monitor the evolving weather situation and issue updates as necessary. Residents are advised to stay informed through official channels, including the NCM website and social media accounts, and to heed any safety advisories issued. The unpredictable nature of these systems means continued monitoring and adaptability are key to mitigating potential disruptions caused by these severe weather events.
The next update from the NCM is expected within 24 hours, and will focus on tracking the movement of the current storm systems and refining rainfall predictions. Uncertainty remains regarding the precise intensity and duration of the rainfall in specific locations.
