Today : Apr 19, 2025
Climate & Environment
15 April 2025

Dusty Winds And Temperature Drops Expected In Saudi Arabia

Weather conditions remain unstable as the country prepares for the Al-Dhirain season.

The weather forecast for Tuesday, April 15, 2025, indicates that Saudi Arabia will experience unstable weather conditions, characterized by active winds carrying dust across most regions. According to the National Center for Meteorology, these winds will particularly affect areas such as Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders, and the Eastern Province, with their impact potentially extending to Najran. The forecast also anticipates partly cloudy skies, with a chance of scattered rain in the Jazan and Asir regions.

The National Center has provided specific temperature predictions for various cities across the Kingdom. In Makkah, the maximum temperature is expected to reach 34 degrees Celsius, while the minimum will be around 19 degrees. Al-Madinah is forecasted to see a high of 31 degrees and a low of 17 degrees. Riyadh and Jeddah will also experience similar temperatures, with maximums of 31 degrees and minimums of 19 and 20 degrees respectively. Other cities like Tabuk, Hail, and Al-Baha will have varying temperatures, with highs ranging from 24 to 26 degrees and lows from 9 to 14 degrees.

In Makkah, the National Center reported strong winds reaching speeds of 40-49 km/h, which will limit horizontal visibility and contribute to elevated wave heights. This pattern of strong winds is consistent across several regions, including Al-Madinah, where similar wind speeds are expected to affect visibility.

As the weather continues to evolve, the impact of these winds is also being felt in Jeddah, where dust-laden winds are causing reduced visibility. The forecast warns residents to be cautious as these conditions may lead to challenging travel and outdoor experiences.

Meanwhile, the Arabian Gulf is experiencing moderate to rough wave conditions, with surface winds blowing from the northwest at speeds of 25-50 km/h, causing wave heights to reach between 1 to 2.5 meters. This instability is echoed in the Red Sea, where winds are similarly strong, further complicating maritime activities.

Looking ahead, the National Center for Meteorology has also indicated that on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, the weather will transition to fair conditions, with some areas becoming partly cloudy. A decrease in temperatures is expected, particularly at night and early Thursday morning in some northern coastal regions, where light fog may form.

As the week progresses, humidity levels are projected to rise overnight in northern coastal areas, setting the stage for potential fog formation. This change in weather patterns is indicative of the seasonal transition as Saudi Arabia moves closer to the summer months.

In addition to the weather updates, April 16 marks the beginning of the 'Al-Dhirain' season, a period that traditionally signifies the end of spring and the onset of summer. According to Ibrahim Al-Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society, this season is known for its fluctuating temperatures and is characterized by the saying, "One arm in spring and one arm in summer," reflecting the transitional nature of this time.

Al-Jarwan elaborated that the first star of this season indicates the continuation of spring, while the second marks the approach of summer, with daytime temperatures expected to rise into the high thirties. This period also coincides with increased agricultural activities, such as shearing sheep, and is often associated with unpredictable weather patterns.

Historically, the Al-Dhirain season has been known for significant rainfall, with last year witnessing over 240 mm of rainfall between April 14 and 17, leading to localized flooding in some areas. These patterns highlight the importance of staying informed about weather conditions as they can have substantial effects on daily life and activities.

As residents across Saudi Arabia prepare for the upcoming days, the National Center for Meteorology urges everyone to remain vigilant regarding the weather conditions, especially those engaging in outdoor activities or traveling. The combination of dust storms, high winds, and fluctuating temperatures necessitates caution and preparedness.

In summary, the weather forecast for April 15, 2025, reveals a complex interplay of dust, wind, and temperature changes across Saudi Arabia, with implications for daily life and seasonal transitions. As the nation braces for the Al-Dhirain season, residents are reminded to stay updated on weather alerts and advisories.