The General Directorate of Civil Defense issued urgent warnings to citizens and residents, urging them to exercise extreme caution, coinciding with forecasts from the National Center for Meteorology regarding unstable weather conditions expected across most regions of the Kingdom. The Directorate emphasized the importance of remaining in safe locations and staying away from areas prone to flash floods, waterlogged areas, valleys, and dams, warning against the dangers of swimming in these areas due to the significant risk to life, especially given the anticipated weather fluctuations.
Weather details in Saudi Arabia and affected areas
The Directorate explained that the rainy weather will begin tomorrow, Friday, and continue until next Sunday, with the Makkah region light to moderate rainfall. This rain may lead to flash floods in some valleys and ravines, accompanied by hail and strong downdrafts that will stir up dust and sand, potentially reducing horizontal visibility. This weather pattern includes the Holy City of Makkah, as well as the governorates of Jeddah, Rabigh, Khulais, Al-Jumum, Bahrah, and Al-Kamil.
In a related development, the Riyadh region similar light to moderate rainfall, which may also cause flash floods, hail, and strong surface winds. The forecast includes the capital city of Riyadh and the governorates of Rumah, Al Majma'ah, Az Zulfi, Al Ghat, Shaqra, Thadiq, Huraymila, Marat, Dhurma, Afif, Ad Dawadmi, Al Quway'iyah, Ar Rayn, Al Hariq, Al Muzahmiyah, Ad Dilam, Hawtat Bani Tamim, and Al Kharj, extending as far as Layla.
Warnings of heavy rain in the northern and eastern regions
Civil Defense reports indicate that the weather will be more severe in other areas, with moderate to heavy rainfall expected, leading to flash floods and hail, accompanied by strong downdrafts that will stir up dust and sand. This weather pattern will affect the regions of Tabuk, Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders, Madinah, Hail, Al-Qassim, and the Eastern Province . This weather situation necessitates strict adherence to safety instructions to avoid potential hazards.
Safety guidelines and the importance of adhering to instructions
These warnings come as part of the authorities' commitment to protecting lives and property. The Kingdom's diverse terrain makes some areas, particularly valleys and low-lying regions, susceptible to flash floods, even in areas without heavy rainfall. The General Directorate of Civil Defense stressed the importance of following official media outlets and their social media accounts, as well as those of the National Center for Meteorology, to obtain accurate and up-to-date information, and to avoid being misled by rumors or unreliable information.
During this period, it is advised to avoid road trips in low-lying areas, secure objects that could be blown away on rooftops due to downdrafts, and drive with extreme caution on highways and open roads to avoid skidding or lack of visibility due to dust and rain.
