Thunderstorms, heavy rain forecast across regions as temperatures soar to 48°C

JEDDAH — Thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected over parts of several regions on Sunday, while temperatures are forecast to reach up to 48°C in other areas, according to the National Center for Meteorology (NCM). In its daily forecast, the NCM said moderate to heavy thunderstorms that may lead to flash floods, accompanied by active winds raising dust and sand, are expected over parts of Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha and Makkah regions. The NCM said rain-bearing thunderclouds may also form over parts of the Najran, Riyadh, Qassim and Madinah regions, as well as parts of the northeastern areas. The NCM also said weather is expected to remain hot to very hot over parts of the Eastern Province. For temperatures, 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. For individual cities, Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah are forecast to be partly cloudy with active winds, with suspended dust also expected in Makkah and Jeddah. Riyadh and Hail are forecast to be partly cloudy with active winds, while Buraidah is expected to be partly cloudy with active winds and blowing dust. Abha, Al-Baha and Jazan are expected to experience thundery rain and active winds, with blowing dust also forecast 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 be clear. For 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.