Weather in Saudi Arabia: Thunderstorms expected in Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and Asir
The National Center for Meteorology announced that the Kingdom will continue to be affected by unstable weather conditions, with varying chances of thunderstorms of varying intensity, accompanied by active winds and hail, across most regions of the Kingdom until Tuesday evening, March 3. This report comes as part of the ongoing monitoring of the current weather situation in the country, which necessitates taking precautions.
Weather details in the southern and western regions
Weather reports indicate that the southern regions of the Kingdom remain under the influence of thunderstorms and rain. In the Asir region , the rainy conditions encompass the cities and governorates of Abha, Khamis Mushait, Al-Namas, Tanomah, Rijal Alma, Bariq, Muhayil Asir, Al-Majardah, Balqarn, Bisha, Tathlith, and Al-Amwah. These areas are characterized by their mountainous terrain, which contributes to the increased density of cumulonimbus clouds.
The weather system also extends to the Al-Baha region all its governorates, including Baljurashi, Al-Mandaq, Bani Hassan, Al-Qura, Al-Aqiq, and Ghamid Al-Zanad. In the Jazan region , the governorates of Al-Raith, Haroub, Al-Dayer, Al-Aydabi, Fifa, Al-Ardah, and Al-Harth are affected, while the Najran region similar rainfall in Najran, Badr Al-Janoub, Habuna, Yadmah, Sharurah, and Thar. Light rain is also expected in parts of the Madinah region (Madinah, Al-Ula, Yanbu, Badr, Khaybar, Al-Mahd, Wadi Al-Fara, and Al-Hanakiya) and the Hail region .
Rainfall conditions in Riyadh and the Eastern Province
In the central and eastern regions of the Kingdom, the report indicated continued light to moderate rainfall in the Riyadh region , including the capital city of Riyadh, Diriyah, Dhurma, Al-Hariq, Al-Muzahmiyah, Al-Dilam, Hawtat Bani Tamim, Al-Kharj, Afif, Al-Dawadmi, Rumah, Al-Quway'iyah, Ar-Rayn, Marat, Huraymila, Al-Aflaj, As-Sulayyil, and Wadi Ad-Dawasir. This rainfall is important for replenishing groundwater in the central region.
In the Eastern Province , rain is covering the cities of Dammam, Khobar, Abqaiq, Al-Ahsa, Al-Udayd, Qaryat Al-Ulya, Al-Nairiyah, Jubail, Ras Tanura, Qatif, and Khafji, which may affect traffic on the highways linking these cities.
Rainfall intensity classification and official warnings
The National Center of Meteorology detailed the accompanying weather phenomena based on their intensity to raise public awareness:
- Light rain (1-4 mm/hour): accompanied by downdrafts that stir up dust and sand at speeds of up to 50 km/h.
- Moderate rainfall (5-9 mm/hour): may lead to flash floods and hail, with high sea waves and winds reaching speeds of up to 60 km/h.
- Heavy rainfall (10-50 mm/hour or more): The center warned of its high danger, as it is accompanied by winds exceeding 60 km/h, with a high probability of flash floods, heavy hail, and the possibility of the formation of tornadoes or waterspouts in coastal and open areas.
The center urged everyone to follow real-time alerts via the “Anwaa” application and official social media platforms, and to stay away from flood channels and valleys in order to preserve public safety.
