Saudi Arabia rains: Weather system hits the Eastern Province and 11 other regions for a week
Starting today, Wednesday, Saudi Arabia is experiencing widespread weather fluctuations, beginning in the Eastern Province and extending to 11 administrative regions, in a wave of rain expected to last for a full week. These forecasts are based on the output of the Saudi numerical weather model, which detected strong indications of thunderstorms accompanied by active winds and a significant decrease in horizontal visibility, prompting relevant authorities to take necessary precautions.
Rainfall map and affected areas
The National Center for Meteorology clarified that the rainy weather will not be limited to the Eastern Province, but will extend geographically to include vital parts of the Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Qassim regions. Thunderstorms will also cover the southwestern highlands of Al-Baha, Asir, and Jazan, reaching as far north as Tabuk, Al-Jawf, and the Northern Borders region. These rains will be accompanied by active surface winds that will stir up dust and sand, necessitating extreme caution on highways and open roads connecting these regions.
Climate context and the importance of early warning
This weather pattern is part of the Kingdom's typical seasonal shifts, where humid air masses interact with cold air currents in the upper atmosphere, creating atmospheric instability. Modern monitoring technologies, such as the Saudi numerical weather prediction model, play a crucial role in accurately forecasting these events before they occur, giving service and security agencies, as well as citizens, ample time to prepare and take necessary precautions. While these rains are particularly important for replenishing water reserves, careful management of stormwater drainage within cities is essential to prevent traffic disruptions or damage to infrastructure.
Civil Defense warnings and how to deal with fog
In addition to the rain, the meteorological department warned of dense fog that may blanket the mountainous highlands and parts of the Eastern Province, Hail, Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders region, and Tabuk during the night and early morning hours, leading to near-zero visibility. In this regard, the General Directorate of Civil Defense stressed the importance of strictly adhering to safety guidelines, most importantly staying away from valleys and flood channels that may suddenly overflow, and not attempting to cross them under any circumstances.
Security authorities have urged drivers to exercise caution while driving in foggy conditions, to use fog lights, and to maintain a safe following distance. Official sources emphasize the importance of obtaining information only from official sources and following real-time weather updates to ensure the safety of lives and property during this week's ongoing period of unstable weather.
