Weather models indicated on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, that several Yemeni governorates are expected to be affected by a tropical depression currently over the Arabian Sea. The Early Warning Center has issued a warning and called for necessary precautionary measures.

The European weather model data, as reported by Barran Press, forecasts moderate rainfall beginning at 3 AM today in Socotra, as the tropical depression approaches the eastern and southern coasts of the archipelago. Rain is also expected on Thursday and Friday, continuing into the following week.

Numerical weather models indicate that northern surface winds over the Arabian Sea will redirect the path of the tropical depression southward towards the Somali coast. As a result of these northern winds, the rest of Yemen is not expected to be significantly affected by the new tropical depression, with direct impacts anticipated to begin in Socotra early today.

The General Authority for Civil Aviation and Meteorology's weather forecasting center warned of scattered rainfall and a light to moderate cold wave affecting Yemen, based on satellite imagery and outputs from various global numerical models.

In their advisory issued on Tuesday evening, the center predicted scattered rainfall in Socotra that could exceed historical averages, with expected amounts between 25 to 50 mm. Wind intensity and rough seas are anticipated around Socotra and in the regional waters of the Arabian Sea and eastern Gulf of Aden, with wave heights reaching up to 2.5 meters.

The center also noted a significant drop in temperatures over the coming days, forecasting a decrease of 2 to 3 degrees Celsius compared to recent recorded values. Citizens in Socotra have been warned against staying in flood-prone areas and traversing slippery, muddy roads. Additionally, farmers in highland areas have been advised to take precautionary measures to protect their crops from the expected temperature drop.