The General Directorate of Civil Defense in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia issued urgent and important warnings to citizens and residents, urging them to exercise extreme caution due to the current weather fluctuations. The Directorate stressed the importance of staying in safe locations and staying away from areas prone to flash floods, waterlogged areas, and valleys. It also strongly warned against swimming in these areas due to the extreme danger they pose to life. Furthermore, the Directorate called for adherence to the instructions and guidelines that are regularly announced through various media outlets and social media platforms, following forecasts of continued thunderstorms across most regions of the Kingdom until next Saturday.
Impact of weather conditions on the Makkah region
In detailing the weather situation, Civil Defense reports indicated that the Makkah region would be among the most significantly affected, with moderate to heavy rainfall expected. This rain could lead to flash floods in valleys and ravines, accompanied by hail and strong downdrafts that will stir up dust and sand, potentially reducing horizontal visibility. The affected governorates in the region include: Jeddah, Khulais, Bahrah, Rabigh, Makkah, Al-Kamil, Al-Jumum, Al-Lith, Al-Qunfudhah, Taif, Maysan, Adham, Al-Ardiyat, Turabah, Al-Muwayh, Al-Khurmah, and Ranyah.
Flooding in the capital Riyadh and its governorates
The warnings were not limited to the western region but extended to the Riyadh region, which will also be affected by moderate to heavy rainfall, raising the risk of flash floods and hail, along with dust storms. These forecasts cover a wide geographical area, including the capital, Riyadh, as well as the governorates of Wadi Al-Dawasir, As-Sulayyil, Al-Aflaj, Ad-Dilam, Al-Muzahmiya, Dhurma, Marat, Shaqra, Al-Ghat, Az-Zulfi, Al-Majma'ah, Thadiq, Huraymila, Ad-Diriyah, Rumah, Afif, Ad-Dawadimi, Al-Quway'iyah, Ar-Rayn, Hawtat Bani Tamim, Al-Hariq, and Al-Kharj.
Rainfall extended to include large areas of the Kingdom
The General Directorate of Civil Defense indicated that the area affected by thunderstorms will expand to include other vital regions in the Kingdom. Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected to affect the regions of Tabuk, Al-Jawf, Hail, the Northern Borders, Madinah, Al-Baha, Asir, Jazan, Najran, Al-Qassim, and the Eastern Province. These expected rainfalls share the same characteristics in terms of the potential for flash floods, hail, and strong surface winds.
General context and the importance of adhering to official warnings
These warnings come within the historical and climatic context of the Arabian Peninsula, where transitional periods between seasons are characterized by sharp weather fluctuations and atmospheric instability. Historically, Saudi Arabia has experienced heavy rainfall leading to flash floods, particularly in mountainous regions and steep valleys. Therefore, relevant authorities, primarily the Civil Defense and the National Center for Meteorology, have developed an advanced early warning system aimed at protecting lives and property, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to enhance quality of life and provide a safe environment for society.
Expected impact of weather fluctuations
Locally, these rains bring good tidings to the agricultural sector and contribute to replenishing strategic groundwater reserves. However, their immediate impact necessitates effective traffic management and the preparation of stormwater drainage infrastructure to prevent any economic damage or disruption to daily life. Regionally, the increasing frequency of these heavy rainfall events reflects broader climate changes affecting the region, requiring concerted efforts to raise public awareness about how to deal with natural disasters and extreme weather events.
