The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia announced the Riyadh region . This warning comes as part of ongoing monitoring of weather developments in Saudi Arabia , with forecasts indicating heavy rainfall accompanied by severe weather phenomena that require the utmost caution.
Weather details for the Riyadh region
The center explained via its official platforms that the rainy weather system is specifically targeting the governorates of Dawadmi and Afif , and its effects will continue until 10:00 PM today. The center warned not only of rainfall but also of accompanying effects that could pose a risk to public safety, including:
- High-speed winds may cause unsecured objects to be blown away.
- There is an almost complete lack of horizontal visibility, which calls for caution when driving on highways.
- Hailstones fell heavily.
- Torrential rains flow in valleys and ravines.
- Strong thunderstorms.
Weather in the Eastern Province: Rain and dense fog
In parallel with the weather conditions in Riyadh, the Eastern Province significant weather fluctuations. The meteorological department has issued warnings of moderate to heavy rainfall in the governorates of Hafr Al-Batin, Al-Khafji, Al-Nairiyah, and Qaryat Al-Ulya. This rainfall has already caused reduced visibility and flash flooding in some areas.
In a related context, the center warned of the formation of dense fog covering vital cities and governorates such as Dammam, Dhahran, Jubail, Khobar, Qatif, and Al-Ahsa, which led to a decrease in horizontal visibility to less than one kilometer in the early morning hours, which negatively affects land and sea navigation.
The importance of the red alert and safety measures
The issuance of a "red alert" by the National Center for Meteorology indicates that the expected weather conditions are "severe" and require immediate precautionary measures. This advanced early warning system reflects the commitment of the relevant authorities in the Kingdom to the safety of lives and property, especially in light of the climate changes the region is experiencing, which have led to more intense and frequent rainfall events.
In such circumstances, the General Directorate of Civil Defense usually emphasizes the need to adhere to the following instructions:
- Stay away completely from flood channels, valleys, and low-lying areas.
- Avoid leaving your homes except in cases of extreme necessity during periods of heavy rainfall.
- Be careful not to approach lampposts or exposed electrical wires during rainfall to avoid electrocution.
- Drive with extreme caution and leave a sufficient safety distance between vehicles due to slippery roads and low visibility.
These weather fluctuations are part of the climatic features of the current season in the Kingdom, as the country is affected by low-pressure systems that contribute to the winter and spring rainfall, which bodes well, but requires community awareness to deal with its potential risks.
