Thunderstorms and flash floods in 3 Saudi regions... Red alert issued by the Meteorology Department

The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued a red alert today, warning of heavy thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds and hail, which could lead to flash floods in three main regions: Asir, Hail, and Qassim. This warning is in effect from the early hours of Friday until 9:00 PM.

Details of areas affected by the red alert

According to the center's statement, the red alert covers a wide area to ensure maximum caution. Details include:

• Asir region: The alert includes the governorates of Al-Harjah, Al-Rabou’ah, Dhahran Al-Janoub, and Sarat Abidah, in addition to other parts of the region.
• Hail region: The warning covers the governorates of Al-Shanan, Baqaa, Samira, Al-Hait, Al-Sulaimi, Al-Shamli, Al-Ghazala, and Muwaqq, in addition to the city of Hail itself and neighboring areas.
• Al-Qassim region: The warning includes the governorates of Aban, Al-Khabra, Ar-Rass, Al-Fawarah, An-Nabhania, Riyadh Al-Khabra, Dhariyah, Uqlat As-Suqur, Al-Asyah, Al-Badai, Al-Bukayriyah, Ath-Thamiriya, Ash-Shamasiyah, Al-Mudhnib, Buraydah, Unayzah, and Uyun Al-Jawa.

The center warned that this weather condition will be accompanied by very high-speed winds that may cause a lack of horizontal visibility, in addition to hail and thunderstorms.

Climate context and the importance of warnings

This rainy spell occurs during a transitional period known locally as "Al-Sarayat" or "Al-Marawih," a time characterized by rapid and sharp weather fluctuations during spring. These conditions arise from the convergence of warm, humid air masses from the south with cold air masses from the north, creating a state of extreme atmospheric instability that results in sudden and powerful thunderstorms.

These warnings are of paramount importance in the Kingdom, given the desert geography of most of its regions, where heavy rains can quickly turn into flash floods in valleys and ravines that remain dry for most of the year. The relevant authorities, primarily the General Directorate of Civil Defense, are raising their level of preparedness and continuously urging citizens and residents to stay away from floodplains and valleys and to exercise caution while driving on the roads.

Expected effects and positive aspects of rainfall

Locally, these rains are expected to affect traffic and may lead to the suspension of classes in some governorates as a precautionary measure. Flash floods also pose a risk to property and infrastructure in low-lying areas. However, these rains also have a significant positive aspect, contributing to the replenishment of groundwater reservoirs and the filling of dams, which is vital for the Kingdom's water security. They also revitalize vegetation and support natural pastures, benefiting the agricultural and livestock sectors. These rains are a long-awaited blessing for many drought-stricken areas.