The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an urgent report, including a "red alert," warning of severe weather fluctuations and unstable conditions affecting large parts of three major regions on Wednesday. These proactive warnings are part of ongoing monitoring to ensure the safety of citizens and residents from potential hazards.
Details of the rainfall situation and affected areas
The report indicated that the severe rainfall would begin at noon and continue until 9 PM. Accompanying effects include high-speed winds leading to near-zero visibility, as well as hail, flash floods, and violent thunderstorms. This weather system is concentrated in the following areas:
- Makkah Region: Includes Maysan Governorate.
- Asir region: includes Al-Amwah, Al-Arin, Tathlith, Tarib, Al-Harjah, Al-Rabou’ah, Al-Farsha, Sarat Abidah, and Dhahran Al-Janoub.
- Najran region: includes Badr Al Janoub, Thar, Habuna, Khubash, Najran, and Yadma.
Rain extends to the Riyadh region and its governorates
The warnings were not limited to the southern and western highlands, but also included the capital, Riyadh. The center predicted light to moderate rainfall on Wednesday and Thursday. These weather changes will affect Riyadh, along with the governorates of Al-Dilam, Al-Muzahmiya, Dhurma, Marat, Thadiq, Huraymila, and Ad-Diriyah. The impact will also extend to cover wide geographical areas including Rumah, Ar-Rayn, Hawtat Bani Tamim, Al-Hariq, Al-Kharj, Al-Ghat, Az-Zulfi, Al-Majma'ah, and Shaqra.
Climate context and the importance of early warning
Saudi Arabia is characterized by its diverse geography and climate. During seasonal transitions, the southwestern highlands often experience cumulonimbus cloud formations due to the mountainous terrain, which helps lift moist air. Historically, these seasonal rains have been an important source of groundwater and agricultural water in the Kingdom; however, their intensity over a short period can lead to flash floods in valleys and low-lying areas.
This “red alert” reflects the significant advancements in the Kingdom’s weather monitoring and early warning system, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to protect lives and property and mitigate natural hazards. These warnings play a pivotal role at the local level in regulating traffic and guiding civil defense teams to rapid deployment to critical locations.
Safety guidelines and official warnings
Official authorities stressed the need for extreme caution and vigilance. They urged everyone to strictly adhere to traffic safety guidelines and avoid driving during periods of poor visibility. They also strongly warned against crossing valleys or approaching areas of water accumulation and swamps, emphasizing the importance of remaining in safe locations to ensure the safety of lives and property throughout the rainfall period.
