Saudi Arabia weather: Thunderstorms and flash floods expected in several regions until Sunday
The National Center for Meteorology issued a detailed report on the expected weather conditions in Saudi Arabia over the weekend, indicating that most regions of the Kingdom will be affected by a rainy weather system starting on Friday, January 23, and continuing until Sunday, January 25. This system is characterized by thunderstorms of varying intensity, ranging from moderate to heavy, necessitating caution.
Seasonal context and the importance of weather conditions
These weather fluctuations are a natural part of the Kingdom's winter climate, as the region is affected by low-pressure systems coming from the north and west, contributing to the formation of cumulonimbus clouds and thunderstorms. These rains are particularly important as they help irrigate vegetation and replenish groundwater; however, they can also pose a risk when valleys and streams overflow, especially in low-lying and open areas, necessitating continuous monitoring of Civil Defense warnings.
Weather details in the northern regions
The meteorological department explained that the rainy weather system will begin to have a strong impact on the northern regions, with the Tabuk moderate to heavy rainfall on Friday and Saturday. This includes the governorates of Tabuk, Neom, Tayma, Haql, Al Wajh, Umluj, Al Bada, and Duba. Simultaneously, the Al Jawf by the same system, with heavy rainfall expected in Sakaka and Dumat Al Jandal, while light to moderate rain is expected in Al Qurayyat and Tabarjal. The system will also extend to the Northern Borders , with heavy rain expected in Arar, Rafha, and Al Uwaiqilah.
Weather forecast for Riyadh, Eastern Province and Qassim
Regarding the central and eastern regions of the Kingdom, the Riyadh by rainfall starting Saturday and continuing until Sunday morning. Light to moderate rain is expected in the capital, Riyadh, and the governorates of Rumah, Al Majma'ah, Al Zulfi, and Shaqra, extending to Al Kharj and Hawtat Bani Tamim. The Eastern Province The Qassim region will also be affected, with heavy rain expected in Buraydah, Unayzah, Ar Rass, and most of the region's governorates.
Rainfall conditions in Mecca and Medina
The weather system also affected western regions, with the Madinah light rain starting Friday in Al-Ula and Al-Ais, intensifying on Saturday to become moderate to heavy and encompassing Madinah, Yanbu, and Khaybar. The Makkah on Saturday by light to moderate rain, including the Holy City, Jeddah, Rabigh, and Khulais.
Rainfall intensity classification and official warnings
The National Center of Meteorology outlined the technical criteria for the weather event, explaining that heavy rainfall is defined as rainfall exceeding 10-50 mm/hour, potentially accompanied by strong downdrafts exceeding 60 km/h, with a high probability of flash floods, hail, and high waves along the coast. Authorities emphasized the importance of staying away from wadis and floodplains during this period to ensure everyone's safety.
