A detailed analysis of a
Desert Locust Upsurge in Saudi Arabia
(Nov 1996 - May 1997)
Weather pdf
version
(441kb) Light to moderate rains fell over a widespread
area of the Red Sea coast from 15-25 November 1996.
These rains were associated with an unusually
strong and persistent depression over the northern
Red Sea. Rains were reported on the coast from
Al-Lith to Khulais but are thought to have extended
to Al-Wajh. Widespread light to moderate rains fell
again in mid January on the coast north of Jeddah
to Yanbu. Rains fell again in mid April. In
general, rainfall on the coastal plains during the
winter of 1996 and spring and 1997 was above
average north of Jeddah and below average to the
south. Daily average temperatures were lower than
normal along the entire length of the Red Sea
coast, allowing vegetation to remain greener than
in hotter and drier years. By late May,
temperatures were rapidly increasing.
