La Niña phenomenon prevails in conjunction with the current Wasm season

Arab Weather - Global centers are monitoring developments in the tropical Pacific Ocean and the prevalence of the La Niña phenomenon over the coming months, coinciding with the Wasm season in Saudi Arabia, one of the most important rainy seasons in the Arabian Peninsula. This coincidence is of interest to weather and climate experts, given the indirect effects La Niña may have on rainfall patterns and temperatures in the region.

What is La Niña and its global effects?

La Niña is defined as the cold phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon, and occurs when sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean drop by more than half a degree Celsius below normal. This drop is accompanied by widespread changes in atmospheric patterns, most notably the activity of easterly trade winds and the shifting location of atmospheric pressure zones, leading to indirect changes in weather around the world.

For example, La Niña tends to increase heavy rainfall in Southeast Asia and Australia, while causing drier conditions in parts of South America. On a global scale, its effects are indirect and less significant. This phenomenon is perhaps one of the most significant climate drivers that indirectly impacts the Arab region.

The relationship between the La Niña phenomenon and the Wasm season in Saudi Arabia

The Al-Wasm season is one of the most important rainy seasons in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It typically begins in mid-October and lasts for approximately 52 days. During this period, the first autumn rains are recorded, paving the way for the winter seasons. With the La Niña phenomenon expected to prevail in the coming months, according to several global centers specializing in this field, this phenomenon is expected to play an indirect role in modifying atmospheric pressure patterns and the movement of humid currents coming from the Arabian Sea.

Statistically, La Niña years tend to be associated with below-average rainfall in many regions. However, despite this statistical relationship, the wasam season exhibits significant variation from one season to the next. In other words, the effects of La Niña in the Arabian Peninsula are not constant from year to year, as they depend on its interaction with regional factors such as the location of the jet stream and the temperature of the Red Sea waters, which ultimately determine the strength of the wasam season.

What does the Arab Weather app say?

With signs of the La Niña phenomenon continuing over the coming months and potentially extending into next winter, analyses indicate that the coming months may be characterized by weather fluctuations and varying rainfall activity from one region to another. The intensity of its impact remains dependent on its interaction with other weather systems, such as the Siberian High and moist currents coming from the Arabian Sea.

In light of these facts, Arab Weather invites followers to review the detailed seasonal forecast for the coming months via the Arab Weather app, which includes analyses of the distribution of rainfall and temperature opportunities across the Kingdom.