Saudi Civil Defense Issues Weather Warning for Jeddah and Rabigh
Authorities warn of moderate to heavy rainfall expected across Makkah region starting Saturday.
1Severe Weather Alert Issued
The Saudi Civil Defense has issued a formal warning regarding moderate to heavy rainfall expected tomorrow, Saturday. This alert specifically targets the Makkah region, including the coastal governorates of Jeddah and Rabigh. Citizens are urged to exercise extreme caution and strictly follow all safety guidelines provided by the relevant authorities.
2Meteorological Forecast Data
According to the National Center for Meteorology, the weather system is expected to bring thunderstorms accompanied by hail and active winds. These winds are likely to stir up dust and sand across ten different regions of the Kingdom. Additionally, there is a significant probability of fog formation in several affected areas.
3Broad Geographical Impact
The unstable weather conditions are not limited to Makkah. The forecast indicates that Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, Madinah, and Hail will also experience these patterns. Furthermore, the Northern Borders, Al-Jouf, Tabuk, and northern parts of the Eastern Province are included in the meteorological report, highlighting a widespread atmospheric disturbance across the country.
4Red Sea Wind Dynamics
Surface winds in the Red Sea are expected to shift based on the specific sector. In the northern and southern parts, speeds will range between 15 and 40 kilometers per hour. However, these speeds can exceed 50 kilometers per hour during the formation of rain-bearing thunderclouds, creating hazardous conditions for maritime activities.
5Central Red Sea Patterns
In the central part of the Red Sea, wind directions are predicted to transition from northeasterly to southeasterly. After midday, these are expected to shift toward southwesterly and southeasterly directions. While base speeds remain between 10 and 32 kilometers per hour, they may spike significantly during periods of active thunderstorm development.
6Maritime Wave Conditions
Wave heights across the Red Sea are generally expected to range from half a meter to one and a half meters. During the formation of rain-bearing thunderclouds, wave heights may exceed two meters. Consequently, the sea state will transition from light to moderate, becoming rough during periods of intense weather activity.
7Arabian Gulf Forecast
The Arabian Gulf is also subject to weather fluctuations. In the northern sector, surface winds will blow from the southeast to the east at speeds of 15 to 40 kilometers per hour. Similar to the Red Sea, these speeds are expected to exceed 50 kilometers per hour during active thunderstorm events.
8Safety and Preparedness Measures
The Civil Defense emphasizes that public safety remains the primary priority during these weather events. Residents should monitor official updates from the National Center for Meteorology regularly. By adhering to instructions and avoiding areas prone to flooding or low visibility, the public can mitigate risks associated with these sudden meteorological shifts.
Original article: Okaz — Saudi Civil Defense Issues Weather Warning for Jeddah and Rabigh