Red alert: Severe weather hits regions of the Kingdom
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued a high-risk warning, classified as a "red alert," indicating that large parts of six major regions in the Kingdom are expected to experience severe rainfall today, Thursday. This weather system will be accompanied by extreme weather phenomena, including high-speed winds, near-zero visibility, heavy hail, flash floods in valleys and ravines, and successive thunderstorms.
Regions and governorates covered by the red alert
The detailed report from the National Center for Meteorology indicated that heavy rainfall would be concentrated in the following regions and governorates:
- Riyadh region: includes Dawadmi, Al-Rayn, Al-Quway’iyah, Afif, Thadiq, Huraymila, Rumah, Dhurma, Marat, Al-Zulfi, Al-Ghat, Al-Majma’ah, and Shaqra.
- Medina: Includes Al-Ula, Khaybar, Al-Hanakiya, and Al-Mahd.
- Al-Jawf region: includes Dumat Al-Jandal and Sakaka.
- Tabuk region: includes Tayma and the city of Tabuk.
- Al-Qassim region: includes Al-Asyah, Al-Badai’, Al-Bukayriyah, Al-Thamiriya, Al-Shamasiya, Al-Ammar, Al-Mudhnib, Buraydah, Unayzah, Uyun Al-Jawa, Aban, Al-Khabra, Ar-Rass, Al-Fawarah, An-Nabhaniah, Riyadh Al-Khabra, Dhariyah, and Uqlat As-Suqur.
- Hail region: includes Al-Shanan, Baqaa, Samira, Al-Hait, Al-Sulaimi, Al-Shamli, Al-Ghazala, Hail city, and Muwaqq.
Light to moderate rain in the eastern region
In a related development, the National Center for Meteorology warned of light rain in parts of the Eastern Province, specifically Hafr Al-Batin and Qaryat Al-Ulya. This weather pattern is expected to begin at 1:00 PM today, Thursday, and continue until 11:00 PM. The rain will be accompanied by active winds, leading to reduced horizontal visibility and a possibility of thunderstorms.
General context and historical background of weather fluctuations
This weather pattern is part of the general climate of the Arabian Peninsula, characterized by sharp transitional periods between seasons. Historically, Saudi Arabia experiences low-pressure systems at this time of year, which form over the Red Sea and interact with cold air masses from the north. Over the past few years, the Kingdom has worked to develop the early warning system of the National Center for Meteorology to mitigate risks and protect lives and property, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to enhance quality of life, achieve environmental sustainability, and ensure community safety.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
This weather event has far-reaching effects at both the local and regional levels. Locally, these severe weather conditions have prompted the General Directorate of Civil Defense and traffic safety authorities to raise their alert levels to maximum. Flash floods and poor visibility are disrupting traffic and sometimes necessitate the suspension of classes in some governorates to ensure student safety. On the other hand, these rains are having a significant positive impact on the agricultural sector, contributing to the irrigation of vast areas of land, replenishing strategic groundwater reserves, and raising the water levels in dams.
Regionally frequencyof these heavy rainfall events reflects the significant climate changes occurring across the Middle East, prompting countries in the region to strengthen cooperation in meteorology and disaster management. Official authorities consistently urge all citizens and residents to exercise caution, avoid valleys and floodplains, and stay informed by following official channels for updates to ensure public safety.
