With the approach of Eid al-Fitr, citizens and residents are turning their attention to weather forecasts to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday. In this context, the General Directorate of Civil Defense has urged everyone to exercise extreme caution, following forecasts indicating thunderstorms across the Kingdom from Wednesday until next Monday. Authorities stressed the importance of staying in safe locations and staying away from areas prone to flash floods and valleys, warning against the dangers of swimming in them. They also emphasized the importance of adhering to instructions and guidelines announced through various media outlets and social media platforms.
The climatic context and history of weather fluctuations in Saudi Arabia
During these transitional periods of the year, Saudi Arabia experiences frequent weather fluctuations, with rainfall during spring and holiday seasons being a common occurrence. Historically, government agencies, particularly the Civil Defense, have dealt with these weather changes with high professionalism by issuing early warnings and activating emergency plans. These current alerts are a continuation of ongoing efforts aimed at protecting lives and property, especially given the Kingdom's diverse topography, which makes some valleys and low-lying areas susceptible to flash floods resulting from heavy rainfall.
Impact of the rainy weather on the Makkah and Riyadh regions
Reports indicate that the Makkah region will be at the heart of these weather changes, experiencing moderate to heavy rainfall, potentially leading to flash floods and hail, accompanied by strong downdrafts that may stir up dust and sand. This weather pattern will affect the Holy City of Makkah, as well as the governorates of Taif, Al-Kamil, Al-Jumum, Khulais, Bahrah, Maysan, Adham, Al-Ardiyat, Turabah, Al-Muwayh, Al-Khurmah, and Ranyah. Meanwhile, light to moderate rain is expected in Jeddah and Rabigh.
In the Riyadh region, some areas are expected to experience heavy rainfall leading to flash floods, particularly in Wadi Al-Dawasir, As-Sulayyil, and Al-Aflaj. Meanwhile, Riyadh city, Al-Kharj, Ad-Dilam, Al-Muzahmiya, Dhurma, Marat, Shaqra, Al-Ghat, Al-Majma'ah, Thadiq, Huraymila, Ad-Diriyah, Rumah, Afif, Ad-Dawadmi, Al-Quway'iyah, Ar-Rayn, Hawtat Bani Tamim, and Al-Hariq are expected to receive light to moderate rainfall.
Expected impact of thunderstorms on regions of the Kingdom
This change in weather and the thunderstorms affecting parts of the Kingdom significant local and regional impacts. Locally, this weather pattern directly impacts travel plans and intercity transportation during the Eid holiday, requiring travelers to exercise caution and adjust their routes to avoid roads prone to flash floods. These rains also have a vital positive impact on the agricultural sector and groundwater reserves, contributing to farm irrigation and replenishing dams in various governorates. Regionally, this weather pattern reflects the extension of low-pressure systems affecting the Arabian Peninsula, highlighting the importance of ongoing coordination among meteorological centers in the Gulf countries to monitor cloud movement and its effects.
General weather conditions for the rest of the regions
The warnings were not limited to Mecca and Riyadh; the General Directorate of Civil Defense indicated that the rain would extend to include the regions of Tabuk, Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders, Medina, Al-Baha, Asir, Jazan, Najran, Hail, Al-Qassim, and the Eastern Province. These areas will be affected by moderate to heavy rain, with the possibility of flash floods and hail, in addition to strong downdrafts that may stir up dust and reduce visibility on highways.
