The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued advanced weather alerts, raising the warning level to "red" in several regions, indicating expectations of heavy rainfall accompanied by severe weather phenomena. This warning comes as part of the ongoing monitoring of weather conditions affecting the Kingdom this season, urging citizens and residents to take precautions.
Weather details for the Riyadh region
According to the weather report, large parts of the Riyadh region will experience unstable weather conditions starting at 6:00 AM and continuing until 4:00 PM on Thursday. The alert includes the capital city of Riyadh, as well as Diriyah, Al-Kharj, Al-Muzahmiyah, Hawtat Bani Tamim, Al-Hariq, and Al-Dilam, in addition to the northern and western governorates such as Thadiq, Huraymila, Rumah, Dhurma, Marat, Al-Zulfi, Al-Ghat, Al-Majma'ah, and Shaqra.
Forecasts indicate that these rains will be heavy and lead to flash floods, accompanied by high-speed winds that may cause almost complete loss of horizontal visibility, with the possibility of hail and thunderstorms, requiring caution while driving on highways and open roads.
Rainfall conditions in the Eastern Province
Simultaneously with the situation in Riyadh, the National Center for Meteorology issued a similar red alert for the Eastern Province, with the alert in effect from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Affected areas include Dammam, Khobar, Jubail, Dhahran, Qatif, Ras Tanura, Al-Ahsa, Abqaiq, and extending to northern regions such as Khafji, Nairyah, Qaryat Al-Ulya, and Hafr Al-Batin.
The situation in the Eastern Province is characterized by high waves on coastal areas, in addition to the accompanying effects of strong downdrafts and hail, which increases the risks of going to sea or being near the beaches during the warning period.
The importance of early warning systems and community awareness
The automated early warning system implemented by the National Center for Meteorology represents a significant advancement in climate crisis management in the Kingdom. The color "red" signifies the highest level of alert, requiring immediate precautionary measures and urging people to stay away from hazardous areas. These warnings are of paramount importance due to the geographical nature of some regions in the Kingdom, which include valleys and ravines that can be suddenly flooded (flash floods) during heavy rainfall, posing a real threat to lives and property.
Civil Defense Public Safety Guidelines
In response to weather reports, the General Directorate of Civil Defense reiterated its warnings to the public, urging everyone to exercise caution. Through its official platforms, the Civil Defense emphasized the importance of staying in safe locations and staying away from valleys, flood channels, and water accumulations, and of not attempting to cross valleys regardless of the water level.
The Civil Defense also called for adherence to the instructions announced through the media and social media sites, and for following weather updates via the dedicated link from the Meteorology Department, to ensure everyone’s safety during these weather fluctuations.
