Civil Defense warns of weather fluctuations in Saudi Arabia and rain until Sunday
The General Directorate of Civil Defense in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia issued urgent warnings to citizens and residents, calling for the utmost caution and vigilance, and urging them to stay in safe places, avoid approaching areas where torrents gather and valleys, and not to risk swimming in them, in conjunction with the expected rainy weather conditions in the Kingdom.
The Directorate stressed the importance of adhering to the instructions and guidelines announced through official media and social media sites, given the National Meteorological Center’s forecast of varying intensity thunderstorms across most regions of the Kingdom, starting tomorrow, Friday, and continuing until next Sunday.
Weather details in Mecca and Riyadh
In its detailed weather bulletin, the Directorate explained that the Makkah region will be affected by light to moderate rainfall, which may lead to flash floods in some valleys and ravines, accompanied by hail and active downdrafts that will stir up dust and sand. This weather pattern includes the Holy City of Makkah, and the governorates of Jeddah, Rabigh, Khulais, Al-Jumum, Bahrah, and Al-Kamil.
Forecasts also indicated that the Riyadh region would be affected by light to moderate rain, which could result in flash floods and hail, along with active surface winds that might stir up dust. The weather system would include the capital, Riyadh, as well as the governorates of Rumah, Al Majma'ah, Az Zulfi, Al Ghat, Shaqra, Thadiq, Huraymila, Marat, Dhurma, Afif, Ad Dawadmi, Al Quway'iyah, Ar Rayn, Al Hariq, Al Muzahmiyah, Ad Dilam, Hawtat Bani Tamim, Al Kharj, and Layla.
Heavy rain in the northern and eastern regions
The General Directorate of Civil Defense indicated that the rainfall will be heavier in other areas, with moderate to heavy rain expected, leading to flash floods, hail, and strong downdrafts. These forecasts include the regions of Tabuk, Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders, Madinah, Hail, Al-Qassim, and the Eastern Province.
The importance of adhering to safety guidelines during rainy seasons
These warnings come as Saudi authorities prioritize the safety of lives and property, especially given the Kingdom's seasonal weather fluctuations, which are sometimes severe and cause rapid flash flooding. The Kingdom's diverse geography, encompassing numerous valleys and ravines, necessitates extreme caution during rainfall, as water can accumulate rapidly and transform into powerful currents that sweep away vehicles and people.
The General Directorate of Civil Defense is working in continuous coordination with the National Center for Meteorology and other relevant authorities to enhance preparedness and readiness to respond to any emergencies that may arise from the rainfall. Everyone is advised to stay updated on weather conditions, avoid low-lying areas, and keep away from decorative structures or billboards that may be affected by strong winds, to ensure that this weather event passes safely and without incident.
