Northern Borders Weather: Heavy rain and flash floods expected this weekend

The National Center for Meteorology issued an advanced weather alert, indicating that the Northern Borders by severe weather fluctuations, with direct impacts beginning on Friday and Saturday, January 23 and 24, 2025. This forecast comes as weather maps show the influx of humid air masses contributing to atmospheric instability.

Details of the rainfall situation and affected cities

The center explained in its report that the weather will be characterized by moderate to heavy rainfall , which may lead to flash floods in valleys and ravines, accompanied by hail and strong downdrafts. The areas directly affected include:

• Arar city
• Rafha Governorate
• Al-Uwaiqilah Governorate
• Tarif Governorate

This situation is an extension of the climatic features that characterize the winter season in the north of the Kingdom, where the region is usually exposed to low-pressure systems coming from the Mediterranean Sea or higher latitude regions, making it the Kingdom’s gateway to receiving cold and rainy waves.

Geographical context and the importance of warnings

These warnings are particularly important given the geographical nature of the Northern Borders region, characterized by its flat terrain and numerous valleys that can quickly fill with water during heavy rainfall, posing a danger to travelers on highways and international roads connecting the Kingdom with neighboring countries. Authorities consistently urge caution and vigilance in such conditions, advising people to stay away from floodplains and low-lying areas, especially as the region experiences active grazing during this season, thus necessitating alerts for shepherds and hikers.

Wind and dust effects on other areas

In a related development concerning the general weather conditions in the Kingdom, the National Center for Meteorology's report not only focused on rainfall in the north but also included warnings of active winds stirring up dust and sand . These winds are expected to reduce horizontal visibility, necessitating caution while driving on open roads.

The effects of wind and dust will include large parts of the following regions:

• Mecca and Medina.
• Tabuk region.
• The western parts of the Northern Borders, Al-Jawf, and Hail regions.
• Parts of the Riyadh region, the Eastern Province and Najran.

Weather experts confirm that these fluctuations are a natural part of the winter season in the Kingdom, but the intensity of the rainy conditions requires continuous monitoring of the current bulletins issued by the center to ensure the safety of lives and property.