The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued its highest level of warning, a "red alert," on Thursday, for heavy rainfall across large parts of five major regions. The warning remains in effect until 11:00 PM. The affected regions include Riyadh, the Eastern Province, Qassim, Tabuk, and Hail, and the alert is accompanied by forecasts of severe weather conditions.
Red alert details and accompanying phenomena
According to the center's report, the expected weather conditions will include high-speed winds that could lead to near-zero horizontal visibility, heavy hail, flash floods in valleys and ravines, and strong thunderstorms. The relevant authorities, primarily the General Directorate of Civil Defense, urged citizens and residents to exercise extreme caution, stay away from valleys and flood channels, and adhere to instructions issued through various media outlets.
The affected governorates and regions in detail:
- Eastern Province: Al-Khafji, Al-Nairiyah, and Qaryat Al-Ulya.
- Riyadh region: Thadiq, Huraymila, Rumah, Dhurma, Marat, Diriyah, Riyadh (the capital), Dawadmi, Al-Rayn, Al-Quway'iyah, Afif, Al-Zulfi, Al-Ghat, Al-Majma'ah, and Shaqra.
- Al-Qassim region: Al-Asyah, Al-Badai’, Al-Bukayriyah, Al-Thamiriya, Al-Shamasiya, Al-Mudhnib, Buraydah, Unayzah, Uyun Al-Jawa, Abanat, Al-Khabra, Ar-Rass, Al-Fawarah, An-Nabhaniah, Riyadh Al-Khabra, Dhariyah, and Uqlat As-Suqur.
- Tabuk region: Tayma.
- Hail region: Al-Shanan, Baqaa, Samira, Al-Hait, Al-Sulaimi, Al-Shamli, Al-Ghazala, Hail, and Muwaqq.
Climate context: Extreme weather phenomena in the Arabian Peninsula
This warning comes amid a period of atmospheric instability affecting most of the Arabian Peninsula in recent weeks, which has seen record rainfall in neighboring countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Oman. Weather experts believe these extreme events reflect global climate change, which is increasing the frequency and intensity of rainstorms in arid and semi-arid regions. The Kingdom is working to strengthen its early warning systems and weather monitoring networks to address these challenges, with the National Center of Meteorology playing a vital role in providing accurate and timely data to support emergency response efforts and protect lives and property.
Expected impact and the importance of responding to warnings
This weather system is expected to significantly impact daily life, including traffic on highways and between cities, and may lead to school closures in some affected areas to ensure student safety. Flash floods pose the greatest risk, particularly in desert and mountainous regions characterized by wide valleys that can transform into raging torrents within minutes. The center's color-coded warning system (yellow, orange, red) is crucial in classifying the severity of weather phenomena. Red indicates a situation requiring immediate response and complete avoidance of dangerous areas, thus contributing to raising public awareness and mitigating potential risks.
