Latest news with #Hail
News24
2 days ago
- Climate
- News24
Tuesday's weather: Light snow, hail in Eastern Cape but cold to cool conditions elsewhere
Severe thunderstorms, light snow and hail are forecast for the Eastern Cape while very cold conditions are expected in parts of KwaZulu-Natal, according to the South African Weather Service (SAWS). Impact-based warnings A yellow level 1 warning for severe thunderstorms in the north-eastern parts of the Eastern Cape. These storms may result in localised damage to property and vehicles, as well as disruptions caused by small hailstorms. In the SAWS' colour-coded weather warning system, yellow indicates a moderate risk of impact that requires caution and awareness, while orange indicates that higher-risk impact is expected, requiring increased attention and preparation. SAWS uses the numbers to indicate the likelihood of weather-based impacts occurring. Levels 2 and 6 are high, and Level 4 is low. Weather outlook for today & tomorrow, 21 - 22 July 2025. Isolated to scattered showers & thundershowers are expected over the central, eastern & southern parts of the country, with possible severe thunderstorms over the extreme eastern parts of the Eastern Cape. #saws — SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) July 21, 2025 Advisories Very cold conditions are expected in the extreme south-western parts of KwaZulu-Natal. The weather in your province Gauteng: The day will be cloudy and cold to cool. Mpumalanga: Expect morning fog patches along the escarpment. The rest of the day will be partly cloudy and cool, with colder areas popping up. Clouds will thicken in the afternoon with chances of drizzle in the east. Mbombela: 9°C — 20°C Ermelo: 3°C — 14°C Emalahleni: 8°C — 17°C Standerton: 6°C — 18°C Skukuza: 7°C — 23°C Limpopo: Partly cloudy and cool, warming up in some areas. In the afternoon, expect drizzle in the Lowveld as the skies turn cloudier. Polokwane: 4°C — 19°C Phalaborwa: 10°C — 24°C Tzaneen: 7°C — 22°C Musina: 11°C — 25°C Lephalale: 7°C — 22°C Mokopane: 6°C — 20°C North West: Partly cloudy and cool weather is forecast, with isolated showers and thundershowers in the west. Klerksdorp: 6°C — 19°C Potchefstroom: 6°C — 19°C Mahikeng: 7°C — 20°C Rustenburg: 8°C — 20°C Vryburg: 6°C — 20°C Free State: The province will be partly cloudy and cold to cool. Isolated thundershowers are expected, except for the northeastern regions. Bloemfontein: 9°C — 18°C Welkom: 8°C — 19°C Bethlehem: 3°C — 15°C Northern Cape: Morning fog patches will occur in the west, which will otherwise be fine. Further east, expect partly cloudy and cold to cool conditions with isolated showers and thundershowers, increasing to scattered showers in the south-east. Coastal winds: Moderate to fresh, blowing southeasterly. Upington: 10°C — 23°C Kimberley: 8°C — 20°C De Aar: 7°C — 16°C Alexander Bay: 9°C — 18°C Springbok: 5°C — 20°C Calvinia: 0°C — 21°C Sutherland: -6°C — 16°C Western Cape: Fog patches will develop in the northwest during the morning, but much of the region will see partly cloudy and cold to cool conditions. The extreme west may enjoy fine weather. Coastal winds: Moderate to fresh southeasterly to easterly, strengthening along the south-west coast. However, light and variable winds are expected along the south coast early in the morning. Cape Town: 11°C — 19°C Vredendal: 5°C — 23°C Riversdale: 5°C — 21°C George: 6°C — 19°C Worcester: 7°C — 20°C Beaufort West: 6°C — 18°C Oudtshoorn: 4°C — 20°C Western half of the Eastern Cape: Cloudy and cold to cool, with isolated rain or showers in the south and east during the morning. Conditions will clear to partly cloudy later in the evening. Eastern half of the Eastern Cape: Overcast and cold to cool with scattered showers and thundershowers, widespread along the Wild Coast and its adjacent interior. Light snowfalls may occur on the north-eastern high ground. Coastal winds: Moderate to fresh south-westerly, later becoming south-easterly. Gqeberha: 10°C — 17°C Makhanda: 9°C — 13°C Cradock: 6°C — 15°C Graaff-Reinet: 5°C — 15°C East London: 14°C — 16°C Port St Johns: 14°C — 17°C Mthatha: 9°C — 12°C Komani: 8°C — 10°C Qonce: 11°C — 13°C KwaZulu-Natal: Morning fog patches over the southern interior will clear to reveal a cloudy and very cold to cold day, with cool weather closer to the east. Scattered showers and rain are expected throughout the region. Coastal winds: Moderate to fresh southerly to south-westerly, easing to easterly to south-easterly by the afternoon. *This weather report was written with the support of Toqan AI.
Arab News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia's Beit Hail festival draws 65,000 visitors since launch
RIYADH: A heritage festival in Hail, northwestern Saudi Arabia, has attracted more than 65,000 visitors since it launched on June 28 from various Saudi cities as well as Gulf and international destinations. The 30-day Beit Hail Festival at Aja Park offers a vibrant mix of cultural, artistic and heritage experiences, operating daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. The festival will continue until July 27, offering an immersive celebration of cultural heritage that includes handicrafts, traditional dishes and Thamudic inscriptions. Beit Hail features an art pavilion showcasing notable artists, a resin art exhibit, a folk theater, residential models inspired by heritage and performances highlighting the culture of Aseer province. Several government leaders have visited the festival, praising its activities for recalling memories of traditional life and showcasing conventional methods of meeting daily needs, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Arabian Business
14-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Saudi real estate: Thriving non-oil GDP boosts property market in multiple sectors in Q2 2025
Saudi Arabia's robust economic growth, driven by a 4.9 per cent expansion in non-oil GDP, is fuelling strong performance across the real estate market, according to CBRE Middle East's Q2 2025 Real Estate Market Review. Real GDP in Q1 2025 expanded by a robust 3.4 per cent, though the full-year forecast has been adjusted to approximately 3.5 per cent due to a more conservative outlook for the oil sector. The Kingdom remains committed to its Vision 2030 initiatives and fostering sustainable economic growth. The second quarter of 2025 witnessed a dynamic and evolving real estate landscape in Saudi Arabia, driven by a combination of policy adjustments and strategic initiatives. The implementation of the Real Estate Transaction Tax (RETT) and strategic realignments within the construction sector shaped the market dynamics. Moreover, the Kingdom's logistical prowess improved, with a rise in the Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index. The Hail region attracted substantial investment, demonstrating its strategic importance, while several major mixed-use developments, such as OSUS EYE in Riyadh, the Pulse Wadi District, and the ongoing advancement of the Dar Al Hijra project in Madinah, underscored the Kingdom's commitment to economic diversification and urban growth. Residential real estate in Saudi Arabia Looking at the residential real estate market in Saudi Arabia significant growth and investment were witnessed in Q2 2025, particularly in Riyadh. Driven by strong demand, transaction volumes were substantial, with land sales leading the way. Government support and initiatives are actively promoting development and attracting both local and international investors. New project launches, such as Azure's Lamara project and ROSHN Group's ALDANAH community, alongside new investment funds, are fuelling the sector's expansion and commitment to addressing the Kingdom's housing goals. Office real estate in Saudi Arabia The office market in Saudi Arabia thrived in Q2 2025, characterised by key trends. The demand for office space, especially Grade A properties in Riyadh, remains high, leading to rising rental rates and exceptionally high occupancy levels. The government's Regional Headquarters (RHQ) Program continues to drive demand, attracting international companies. The rise in the flex sector and the preference for smaller, efficient office spaces are also notable. Although a limited new supply in 2025 is expected to exacerbate the market dynamics, the outlook is positive, with increased supply anticipated in the coming years, along with strong performance in Jeddah. Retail real estate in Saudi Arabia Q2 2025 saw a dynamic retail sector in Saudi Arabia, marked by the rise of 'Retailtainment' and the expansion of entertainment hubs. The increasing integration of entertainment into malls and the substantial investments by Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN) are key drivers of this transformation. Despite a slight dip in sales during the Eid holiday, the sector is navigating challenges like oversupply and e-commerce through innovative projects and strategic adaptations. Stable rents and occupancy rates in super-regional malls and the addition of new developments are adding to the evolving retail landscape. Hospitality real estate in Saudi Arabia The hospitality sector in Saudi Arabia experienced remarkable growth in the second quarter of the year, solidifying its position as a leading global travel destination. Driven by a combination of leisure, cultural, and religious tourism, the sector saw a 48 per cent increase in international visitors compared to Q2 2024. The upcoming mega-events, including major sporting tournaments and Expo 2030, are poised to generate substantial demand for accommodation. The pipeline of new hotel projects is also expanding, particularly in Riyadh, and new brand debuts, such as IHG's EVEN Hotel, are adding to the diversity and appeal of the sector, creating a strong outlook for sustained growth. Industrial real estate in Saudi Arabia Significant developments in Saudi Arabia's industrial and logistics sector supported the country's economic diversification efforts in Q2 2025. Robust demand for warehousing continues, despite challenges in finding immediately available, high-quality facilities. A major investment in a $7bn cross-country rail corridor will enhance logistics capabilities. Average warehouse rents are increasing, reflecting strong demand. The launch of the Advanced Manufacturing and Production Centre and collaborations like the one between Saudi Aramco Technologies and BYD are driving industrial transformation and innovation. Matthew Green, Head of Research MENA, said: 'This groundbreaking regulation marks a pivotal moment for Saudi Arabia's real estate market. By welcoming foreign investment, we anticipate a transformative shift, driving substantial growth in inbound capital over the next five years. 'This will not only support the ambitious FDI targets but also stimulate private sector development, further diversify the non-oil economy, and generate wealth for landowners. 'Furthermore, it will foster long-term population growth and economic stability by enabling foreign residents to participate in homeownership, a significant social milestone'.
Arab News
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Miniature model helps bring Saudi history to life
RIYADH: The Beit Hail Festival, which runs until July 29, is showcasing unique works which reflect the region's rich historic archaeological legacy, the Saudi Press Agency has reported. Featuring miniature representations of Saudi cities from the past, these creations transport visitors through time, highlighting the details of daily life and the beauty of historic architecture. Artist and craft trainer Abdullah Al-Khazam, a native of Hail, has presented a clay model of the ancient commercial area of Hail city at the event. The model has attracted the attention of thousands of visitors and illustrates the techniques used to craft such works, enriching the festival's depiction of the Kingdom's heritage. Al-Khazam based the model on historic sources, using precise measurements and conducting field visits. He also consulted historians, researchers, and elderly residents for accuracy. The model features key landmarks, including Barzan Palace, a mosque, the commercial square, and various government offices, the SPA added. Built with traditional materials such as clay and palm trunks, the model uses classic construction techniques and incorporates period ornaments and engravings, effectively recreating the city center of the past.
Arab News
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Hail heritage festival draws 27,000 visitors
RIYADH: A heritage festival in Hail has attracted more than 27,000 visitors from the city, across the Kingdom, and from Gulf and international destinations. Running from 6 p.m. till 1 a.m. each evening, the 30-day Beit Hail Festival offers a rich blend of cultural, artistic, and heritage experiences, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday. Visitors can enjoy a diverse array of live performances and interactive heritage displays, recreating scenes from the past and presented by skilled male and female artisans. Exhibits give younger generations a glimpse of how their ancestors transformed natural materials into functional items, showcasing the ingenuity and authenticity of Saudi heritage. More than 40 activities allow visitors to explore traditional crafts such as wickerwork, sadu weaving, crochet, hand-woven textiles, and distinctive Najdi and Hail door making. Other highlights include traditional clothing, Thamudic embroidery, wood and leather beading, fiber arts, resin art, and soap making, the SPA added. Visitors can also savor a variety of traditional folk foods. At the heart of the festival, an artistic theater hosts performances, including the Hail Samri and Saudi Ardah. The festival also provides a platform for local craftspeople to showcase their work directly to the public.
