The General Directorate of Civil Defense has urged all citizens and residents to exercise extreme caution and remain in safe locations away from areas prone to flash floods and valleys. The Directorate emphasized the prohibition of swimming in these dangerous areas and the importance of strictly adhering to the instructions and guidelines disseminated through various media outlets and social media platforms. This urgent warning comes as thunderstorms are expected to continue across different parts of the Kingdom until next Saturday.
The impact of thunderstorms on daily life and infrastructure
Thunderstorms play a pivotal role in altering the daily dynamics of Saudi cities and provinces. Locally, these sudden and heavy downpours cause flooding in streets, directly impacting traffic flow and increasing the likelihood of accidents. The downdrafts accompanying these storms also stir up dust and sand, reducing visibility and posing a significant challenge for drivers. Regionally, these early warnings contribute to enhanced preparedness among government and private entities, ensuring business continuity and protecting infrastructure from flash flood damage, reflecting the advanced state of the Kingdom's crisis and disaster management system.
Map of areas covered by weather alerts
Civil Defense reports indicate that the Makkah region will be among the most affected, experiencing moderate to heavy rainfall leading to flash floods and hail, accompanied by dust-raising downdrafts. This weather pattern will impact Jeddah, Khulais, Bahrah, Rabigh, Makkah, Al-Kamil, Al-Jumum, Al-Lith, Al-Qunfudhah, Taif, Maysan, Adham, Al-Ardiyat, Turabah, Al-Muwayh, Al-Khurmah, and Ranyah.
In a related context, the Riyadh region will not be immune to these changes, as the capital Riyadh and the governorates of Wadi Al-Dawasir, Al-Sulayyil, Al-Aflaj, Al-Dilam, Al-Muzahmiya, Dhurma, Marat, Shaqra, Al-Ghat, Al-Zulfi, Al-Majma’ah, Thadiq, Huraymila, Al-Diriyah, Rumah, Afif, Al-Dawadmi, Al-Quway’iyah, Al-Rayn, Hawtat Bani Tamim, Al-Hariq, and Al-Kharj will be affected by similar rains that will lead to the flow of valleys.
The warnings also extended to other large areas in the Kingdom, specifically Tabuk, Al-Jawf, Hail, the Northern Borders, Madinah, Al-Baha, Asir, Jazan, Najran, Al-Qassim, and the Eastern Province, all of which will witness weather fluctuations that require attention.
#CivilDefense : Thunderstorms will continue across the Kingdom until next Saturday. #PreventionIsSafety pic.twitter.com/OKrnYCHJP4
— Saudi Civil Defense (@SaudiDCD) March 22, 2026
Climate change and rainfall history in Saudi Arabia
Given its historical and climatic context, the Arabian Peninsula is known for its arid desert climate, yet it experiences periods of severe atmospheric instability during certain transitional seasons. Historically, the Kingdom has recorded several incidents of flash floods that formed rapidly within dry valleys, prompting authorities to prioritize the development of early warning systems. These extreme weather events have become more frequent in recent years, which explains the swift and decisive issuance of proactive civil defense warnings. Understanding this geographical and climatic nature underscores the importance of public awareness regarding the dangers of being in valleys during rainfall, as flash floods can form from distant areas without warning and require thorough preparation.
