Saudi Arabia weather: Heavy thunderstorms and flash floods expected on Friday and Saturday
The National Center for Meteorology issued an urgent report warning of unstable weather conditions affecting most regions of the Kingdom. Heavy thunderstorms, ranging from moderate to very heavy, are expected from Friday, February 6th, until Saturday, February 7th. This weather pattern is part of the usual fluctuations for this time of year and requires the utmost caution.
Climate context and the importance of weather conditions
This weather pattern is particularly significant due to its timing. February typically sees increased activity from low-pressure systems originating in the Mediterranean Sea or from local formations resulting from temperature differences. While these rains are crucial for vegetation and water reserves, they can also pose a risk due to the topography of some areas, potentially causing flash floods in valleys and streams. Historical climate data confirms that this period can witness strong atmospheric instability, known locally for its intense impact and the rapid formation of cumulonimbus clouds.
Expected rainfall map: Mecca, Medina, and the North
The report detailed that the Makkah will be affected by the weather system, with light to moderate rain expected in Makkah, Khulais, and Al-Jumum on Friday. The system will intensify, becoming moderate to heavy in Taif, Al-Khurmah, Turabah, and Ranyah. The Madinah will experience moderate rain, including in Madinah and Al-Ula, with heavier rainfall expected in Al-Mahd and Wadi Al-Fara.
In the northern regions, Tabuk, Al-Jawf and the Northern Borders region will be affected by light to moderate rain, with expectations that the intensity of the rain will increase to heavy levels in Rafha Governorate on Saturday.
Weather forecast for Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and Qassim
The weather report indicated that the capital, Riyadh, and its surrounding governorates will experience varying intensities of rainfall on Friday and Saturday. Rainfall will be light to moderate in Riyadh, Diriyah, and Al-Kharj, while it will become heavy in the governorates of Afif, Dawadmi, Majmaah, and Zulfi. In the Eastern Province , heavy rain is expected in Hafr Al-Batin, Khafji, and Nairyah, urging caution for drivers using the highways connecting these governorates.
The forecast also includes the Qassim and Hail regions with moderate to heavy rain, including Buraidah, Unaizah, Hail city and most of their affiliated governorates, accompanied by surface wind activity.
Technical criteria for the condition and associated phenomena
The center provided a precise classification of the severity of the situation, explaining that the expected heavy rainfall could exceed 10 to 50 mm per hour , significant amounts capable of causing water accumulation and flash floods. This rainfall will be accompanied by severe weather phenomena including:
- Dust-laden downdrafts that can reach speeds of more than 60 km/h.
- Heavy hail fell in some areas.
- High waves in coastal areas.
- The possibility of the formation of tornadoes or waterspouts in the most extreme cases.
The National Center of Meteorology calls on all citizens and residents to follow the early warning platforms and the “Anwaa” application to obtain real-time updates, while adhering to the instructions of the Civil Defense to stay away from valleys and flood channels during rainfall to ensure everyone’s safety.
