Thunderstorms and flash floods in Saudi Arabia: Civil Defense warnings until Sunday
Civil Defense raises its level of preparedness and warns of floods
The General Directorate of Civil Defense in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia issued urgent warnings urging all citizens and residents to exercise extreme caution as thunderstorms of varying intensity continue to affect most regions of the Kingdom, with the rain expected to persist until next Sunday. The Directorate stressed the importance of remaining in safe locations and staying away from areas prone to flash floods, valleys, and waterlogged areas, strongly warning against swimming in them due to the extreme danger. It also emphasized the importance of adhering to the instructions and guidelines continuously disseminated through various media outlets and the Civil Defense's social media accounts.
Map of areas affected by thunderstorms
According to accurate data from the National Center for Meteorology, the rainy weather will affect large areas of the Kingdom. The Makkah region will be impacted by moderate to heavy rainfall, which may lead to flash floods and hail, accompanied by strong downdrafts that will stir up dust and sand. This weather pattern includes the Holy City of Makkah, Taif, Maysan, Adham, Al-Ardiyat, Turabah, Al-Muwayh, Al-Khurmah, and Ranyah.
As for the Riyadh region, the capital and its governorates are expected to witness heavy thunderstorms that will lead to the flow of valleys, including: Wadi Al-Dawasir, Al-Sulayyil, Riyadh City, Al-Kharj, Al-Dilam, Al-Muzahmiya, Al-Quway’iyah, Al-Diriyah, Al-Rayn, Al-Hariq, Rumah, Al-Aflaj, Hawtat Bani Tamim, Afif, Al-Dawadmi, Al-Ghat, Al-Zulfi, Al-Majma’ah, Shaqra, Thadiq, Huraymila, Dhurma, and Marat.
The area of rainfall also extends to include the regions of Tabuk, Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders, Hail, Madinah, Al-Qassim, Al-Baha, Asir, Jazan, and the Eastern Province, where the intensity of the rainfall ranges between moderate and heavy, with a high probability of flash floods and hail showers.
The climatic and historical context of weather fluctuations
This weather pattern occurs within the context of the transitional periods experienced by the Arabian Peninsula, where the Kingdom is historically known for its sharp climatic fluctuations during seasonal changes. Saudi Arabia's geography is characterized by an extensive network of valleys and ravines that stretch across mountains and deserts. Historically, these valleys served as natural drainage channels for rainwater. However, the arid nature of the land makes them susceptible to flash floods, which can surge with tremendous force even in areas that have not received direct rainfall. This explains the strict and continuous warnings issued by the relevant authorities.
Expected impact and importance of the event locally and regionally
Locally, these thunderstorms have a dual impact. On the one hand, they necessitate a full mobilization of government agencies such as Civil Defense, Traffic Police, and the Ministry of Transport to ensure the safety of lives and property and to prevent traffic accidents caused by reduced visibility due to dust storms or slippery conditions. On the other hand, these rains are of major strategic importance to the Kingdom's agriculture and water resources sectors, as they contribute to replenishing groundwater and raising water levels in strategic dams across various regions, thus supporting water security and vegetation cover in line with the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative.
Regionally, these early warnings reflect the extent of the development of the meteorology and early warning system in the Kingdom, which now relies on advanced monitoring technologies that contribute to reducing human and material losses, and provide a model to be emulated in managing crises and natural disasters at the level of the Middle East.
