Meteorology Center: Thunderstorms Expected in 6 Regions, Red Alert Issued for Najran

This article, originally published in Arabic by Okaz, details the latest weather predictions from the Saudi National Center of Meteorology (NCM). The forecast indicates a significant weather event across multiple regions of the Kingdom, with expectations of moderate to heavy thunderstorms.

The NCM has issued a red alert for the Najran region, warning of intense rainfall that could lead to flash floods. This alert specifically covers Najran city and its surrounding governorates, including Badr Al-Janoub, Thar, Hobuna, Khabbash, and Yudmah. The heavy rains are expected to be accompanied by strong winds, significantly reducing visibility, and potentially hail, further exacerbating the risk of flooding.

Beyond Najran, the forecast extends to other areas. Moderate to heavy thunderstorms are anticipated in parts of Riyadh, Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir, and Jazan. Lighter to moderate rainfall is expected in the Eastern Province, the Northern Borders, Al-Jawf, Tabuk, Hael, and Qassim regions. Additionally, active winds are predicted to cause dust and sand storms in several of these areas, as well as in the Madinah region.

The report also provides specific details on maritime conditions. In the Red Sea, winds will range from north to northwest, with speeds of 20-40 km/h in the northern and central parts, and northwest to west at 15-35 km/h, potentially reaching 50 km/h with thunderstorms in the southern part. The sea state will be light to moderate, becoming rough with thunderstorms. In the Arabian Gulf, winds will be northwesterly to northeasterly at 10-35 km/h, potentially exceeding 50 km/h with thunderstorms. The sea state here will also be light to moderate, becoming rough with the storm activity.