The General Directorate of Civil Defense in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia issued urgent and important warnings to citizens and residents, urging them to exercise extreme caution due to expected weather fluctuations. The Directorate stressed the importance of staying in safe locations and staying away from areas prone to flash floods and valleys, strongly warning against swimming in them due to the extreme danger they pose to life. It also emphasized the need to adhere to instructions and guidelines announced through various media outlets and social media platforms, coinciding with the continued thunderstorms expected across most regions of the Kingdom until next Tuesday.
General context and climatic background in the Kingdom
These warnings come amidst the transitional periods in the Arabian Peninsula's climate, characterized by sharp and rapid weather fluctuations. Historically, Saudi Arabia experiences periods of atmospheric instability at this time of year, resulting from the convergence of humid air masses from the Red Sea or the Arabian Sea with upper-level low-pressure systems. The National Center of Meteorology, in close cooperation with the Civil Defense, has played a pivotal role over the years in developing early warning systems to mitigate natural hazards and protect lives and property from the damage caused by flash floods and torrential rains that may strike some areas.
Details of the rainfall situation in the Makkah region
Based on accurate data from the National Center for Meteorology, the Makkah region is expected to experience moderate to heavy rainfall. This rainfall may lead to flash floods and hail, accompanied by strong downdrafts that will stir up dust and sand, potentially reducing horizontal visibility. This weather pattern includes the governorates of Turabah, Al-Muwayh, Al-Khurmah, Ranyah, Taif, Maysan, Adham, and Al-Ardiyat. Meanwhile, light to moderate rain is expected in Al-Lith, Al-Qunfudhah, Makkah, Al-Jumum, Bahrah, and Al-Kamil.
Weather effects on the capital Riyadh and other regions
The weather system will not be limited to the western region, but will extend to the Riyadh region, which will also experience moderate to heavy rainfall, potentially leading to flash floods, hail, and dust-raising downdrafts. Affected areas include Wadi Al-Dawasir, As-Sulayyil, Al-Aflaj, Riyadh (the capital), Ad-Dilam, Al-Muzahmiyah, Dhurma, Al-Qiddiyah, Ad-Diriyah, Hawtat Bani Tamim, Al-Hariq, Al-Kharj, Marat, Afif, Ad-Dawadimi, Al-Quway'iyah, and Ar-Rayn. Meanwhile, Rumah, Shaqra, Al-Majma'ah, Az-Zulfi, Al-Ghat, and Thadiq will experience light to moderate rain.
In addition, the regions of Asir, Jazan, Najran, Al-Baha, and the Eastern Province will be affected by moderate to heavy rainfall with the possibility of flash floods. Meanwhile, light to moderate rain is expected in the Qassim, Northern Borders, and Madinah regions.
The importance and expected impact of the weather event
This weather event is of great importance and has a tangible impact on several levels. Locally, these rains contribute to replenishing groundwater reserves and supporting the agricultural sector, which relies heavily on rainwater, thus positively impacting vegetation cover and afforestation initiatives. However, the heavy rainfall and resulting flash floods necessitate a mobilization of relevant authorities to ensure smooth traffic flow and prevent accidents. In some cases, this may lead to the suspension of in-person classes in schools and universities and the shift to remote learning to ensure student safety. Regionally, these climatic changes reflect the increasing pattern of extreme weather events in the region, which calls for enhanced regional cooperation in meteorology and disaster management to ensure a rapid and effective response.
