Saudi Arabia weather: Storms in Riyadh and heavy rain in the Eastern Province

The National Center for Meteorology issued urgent reports and alerts regarding the expected weather conditions today, indicating the continuation of weather fluctuations affecting several regions, most notably the Riyadh region and the Eastern Province, amid warnings to citizens and residents to take precautions.

Riyadh region weather details: Dust and storms

The center explained in its report that large parts of the Riyadh region are experiencing surface wind activity that is stirring up dust and sand, which could develop into dust storms that significantly reduce horizontal visibility. This warning, which remains in effect until 11:00 PM this Thursday, includes the following governorates:

• Al-Aflaj
• descendant
• Wadi Al-Dawasir

The effects of this situation include active winds and a lack of horizontal visibility, reaching one kilometer or less, which calls for caution when driving on highways and open roads.

In a related development, the weather conditions are extending to other governorates in the region, including Al-Hariq, Al-Kharj, Al-Dilam, Al-Muzahmiya, and Hawtat Bani Tamim . These conditions are expected to persist in these areas until 1:00 AM on Friday, accompanied by winds reaching speeds of 40-49 kilometers per hour and a significant decrease in visibility.

Heavy rains and floods in the Eastern Province

On the other side of the Kingdom, the National Center for Meteorology predicted heavy rainfall in parts of the Eastern Province , continuing until 10 PM on Thursday. The warning includes the following areas:

• Al-Khafji
• Al-Nu'ayriyah
• Upper Village

The center warned of the effects associated with this rainy weather, which include high-speed winds, lack of horizontal visibility, hail, flash floods in valleys and ravines, in addition to thunderstorms.

The climatic context and nature of the atmosphere in the Kingdom

These weather fluctuations are part of the typical climatic pattern in Saudi Arabia during seasonal transitions or periods of low-pressure activity. The Kingdom's diverse geography leads to simultaneous variations in weather conditions. While central regions (such as Riyadh) and open areas are affected by dust-laden winds due to the desert soil and arid surface, coastal and eastern regions are influenced by humid air masses that can lead to atmospheric instability and varying intensities of rainfall.

Dust storms are a frequent weather phenomenon in the central region of the Kingdom, and they play a major role in sometimes lowering temperatures or changing air quality, which requires continuous monitoring of current weather forecasts.

The importance of warnings and their effects

These warnings are of paramount importance due to their direct impact on daily life and the safety of lives and property. Locally, dust storms and heavy rains affect traffic, especially on highways connecting major cities, usually requiring the mobilization of relevant authorities such as traffic police and civil defense to manage traffic and respond to any emergencies.

From a health perspective, experts consistently advise those with respiratory conditions and asthma to avoid direct exposure to dusty air and to use face masks when necessary. The General Directorate of Civil Defense also continuously urges people to stay away from floodplains and wadis during heavy rainfall and to avoid attempting to cross them, in order to ensure public safety.