JEDDAH — Thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are expected across parts of several Saudi regions on Sunday, while temperatures could reach as high as 48°C in other areas, according to the National Center for Meteorology (NCM).

In its daily weather forecast, the NCM said moderate to heavy thunderstorms, potentially causing flash floods and accompanied by active winds that may raise dust and sand, are expected in parts of Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha and Makkah regions.

Rain-bearing thunderclouds may also develop over parts of Najran, Riyadh, Qassim and Madinah, as well as some northeastern areas of the Kingdom.

Meanwhile, hot to very hot weather is expected to continue across parts of the Eastern Province.

Dammam is forecast to record the highest temperature at 48°C, followed by Riyadh at 46°C, Madinah and Buraidah at 45°C, and Makkah at 44°C. Temperatures are expected to reach 40°C in Najran, 39°C in Hail, 38°C in Jeddah and Jazan, 37°C in Tabuk, 36°C in Arar, 35°C in Sakaka, 31°C in Al-Baha and 29°C in Abha.

Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah are expected to experience partly cloudy conditions accompanied by active winds, with suspended dust also forecast in Makkah and Jeddah. Riyadh and Hail are forecast to remain partly cloudy with active winds, while Buraidah may experience blowing dust along with partly cloudy conditions and active winds.

Abha, Al-Baha and Jazan are expected to experience thundery rain and active winds, with blowing dust also possible in Jazan. Arar and Sakaka are forecast to see active winds and blowing dust, while Tabuk is expected to experience active winds.

Najran is forecast to be partly cloudy to cloudy with active winds, while Dammam is expected to have clear skies.

Humidity levels are forecast to reach 80 percent in Jeddah and Abha, 75 percent in Dammam, Al-Baha and Jazan, 50 percent in Tabuk and Najran, 35 percent in Makkah and Sakaka, 30 percent in Arar, and 20 percent in Riyadh, Madinah, Buraidah and Hail.

Source:Saudi Gazette