National Center for Meteorology's weather warnings in Saudi Arabia
Following continuous monitoring of weather developments in Saudi Arabia, the National Center for Meteorology forecasts continued thunderstorms of varying intensity, from light to heavy, across most regions of the Kingdom. This new rainy period will begin tomorrow, Monday, and continue until next Thursday, urging citizens and residents to take precautions.
The center explained in its detailed report that this rainy weather system will not be limited to rainfall alone, but will also be accompanied by several weather phenomena. These include active downdrafts that will stir up dust and sand, with speeds potentially reaching 60 kilometers per hour or more, leading to reduced horizontal visibility. The forecast also includes hail, flash floods in valleys and ravines, and the possibility of high waves along the coast, which could affect normal maritime navigation.
Impact of the rainy weather on Saudi regions
According to the report, the Eastern Province will experience moderate to heavy rainfall on Monday and Tuesday, particularly in the Al-Ahsa and Al-Udayd governorates. Meanwhile, light rain is expected in the cities of Dammam, Qatif, Jubail, and Ras Tanura. The capital, Riyadh, and its surrounding governorates will be affected by light to moderate rainfall, becoming heavier on Tuesday and extending to Wadi Al-Dawasir, As-Sulayyil, and Al-Aflaj.
The effects of these weather fluctuations extend to the regions of Mecca, Medina, Al-Baha, Asir, and Jazan, where varying intensities of rain are expected at different times. The report also indicated that the weather system will extend to the northern and central regions of the Kingdom, including Tabuk, Al-Jawf, Hail, the Northern Borders, Al-Qassim, and Najran.
The climatic context and the importance of early preparedness
These weather changes occur during the transitional periods experienced by the Arabian Peninsula, where warm and cold air masses collide, creating atmospheric instability. Historically, these seasonal rains have been of great importance to the Kingdom, contributing to groundwater replenishment, supporting vegetation cover, and bolstering the local agricultural sector, which aligns with national environmental initiatives.
Locally, this weather event necessitates a mobilization of relevant authorities, such as the General Directorate of Civil Defense, which is constantly working to deploy rescue teams and secure valleys and flood channels. The weather also affects traffic, requiring drivers to exercise extreme caution to avoid accidents caused by skidding or poor visibility due to heavy dust.
A call to adhere to official instructions
In closing, the General Directorate of Weather and Climate Forecasts urged everyone to follow reports and warnings issued by official authorities. It emphasized the importance of obtaining information from reliable sources, such as the official website of the National Center of Meteorology and its verified social media accounts, as well as using the "Anwaa" application, which provides real-time weather updates, to ensure everyone's safety during this weather event.
