The Meteorology Department extends the red alert for Riyadh due to heavy rains and floods
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia announced an updated weather alert for the Riyadh region, extending the red alert to cover large parts of the area and warning of continued heavy rainfall that could lead to flash floods. The warning includes the governorates of Dawadmi and Afif, and this unstable weather is expected to persist from Thursday afternoon until 6:00 AM on Friday.
The center explained in its statement that the red alert, the highest level of warning, signifies the expectation of severe weather phenomena. These include extremely high winds that could cause near-zero visibility, heavy hail, flash floods in valleys and ravines, and significant thunderstorm activity. The center urged everyone to exercise extreme caution and strictly adhere to the instructions of the relevant authorities, particularly the Civil Defense, to protect lives and property.
Climate context and the importance of warnings
This heavy rainfall comes amidst the weather fluctuations that Saudi Arabia experiences during transitional periods of the year, particularly in spring. This period is known for an increased likelihood of cumulonimbus clouds forming, which can bring large amounts of rain in a short time. The Riyadh region's geography is characterized by numerous dry valleys that can suddenly and rapidly fill with water, posing a significant risk to residents and vehicles. These warnings are of paramount importance given past experiences with flash floods in the region, which have underscored the necessity of proactive preparation and immediate response to alerts.
Expected impacts and government coordination
Locally, this weather system is expected to significantly impact daily life in the capital and affected governorates. Traffic congestion and disruption are likely on main and secondary roads, requiring drivers to exercise extreme caution. Relevant government agencies, such as the Ministry of Education, traffic departments, and civil defense, are coordinating to implement necessary precautionary measures, which may include suspending in-person classes or switching to remote learning, and closing certain roads and tunnels that pose a risk during rainfall. Authorities also emphasize the importance of citizens and residents staying updated through the official platforms of the National Center of Meteorology and avoiding the spread of rumors or inaccurate weather information.
