Red alert: Heavy rain expected in 6 regions of Saudi Arabia today

The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia announced a state of atmospheric instability, issuing an urgent report containing a "red alert" warning of heavy rainfall across large parts of six major regions on Thursday. These warnings are part of the authorities' commitment to the safety of citizens and residents and to providing accurate weather information to avoid any potential hazards.

Red alert details and timing of heavy rainfall

According to the report, the weather phenomenon began at 1:00 AM in some areas and at 2:00 AM in others. This severe weather is expected to continue until 5:00 PM today. Warnings are not limited to rainfall; they also include extremely dangerous accompanying effects such as high-speed winds, near-zero horizontal visibility, hail, flash floods in valleys and ravines, high waves in coastal areas, and frequent thunderstorms.

Areas and cities covered by weather warnings

The National Center for Meteorology's alerts covered several regions and cities, distributed as follows:

• Eastern Province: Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, Qatif, Ras Tanura, Hafr Al-Batin, Khafji, Nairyah, and Qaryat Al-Ulya.
• Makkah Region: Al-Khurmah, Al-Muwayh, Turabah, Ranyah, Adham, Maysan, Thadiq, Huraymila, Rumah, Dhurma, Marat, and Taif.
• Riyadh region: Al-Zulfi, Al-Ghat, Al-Majma’ah, Shaqra, Al-Rayn, Al-Quway’iyah, Al-Dawadmi, and Afif.
• Al-Qassim region: Al-Asyah, Al-Badai’, Al-Bukayriyah, Al-Thamiriya, Al-Shamasiya, Al-Ammar, Al-Mudhnib, Buraydah, Unayzah, Uyun Al-Jawa, Abanat, Al-Khabra, Ar-Rass, Al-Fawarah, An-Nabhaniah, Riyadh Al-Khabra, Dhariyah, and Uqlat As-Suqur.
• Asir region: Al Namas, Balqarn, and Tanomah.
• Al-Baha region: Al-Aqiq, Al-Qura, Al-Mandaq, Al-Baha, Baljurashi, and Bani Hassan.

Climate context: Weather changes in the Kingdom

Historically, the Arabian Peninsula has been known for its arid desert climate. However, recent years have witnessed significant climate changes leading to increased rainfall and more frequent extreme weather events. This shift is partly attributed to global climate changes that affect the paths of low-pressure systems. In this context, the National Center of Meteorology plays a pivotal and historic role in monitoring these changes. Early warning systems in the Kingdom have been significantly developed to meet international standards, contributing to minimizing human and material losses through the issuance of accurate, proactive alerts, such as the current Red Alert.

Expected impacts on daily life and infrastructure

This weather event is of great importance and has multifaceted effects at both the local and regional levels. Locally, these conditions mobilize all government agencies, including the General Directorate of Civil Defense, which consistently urges caution and advises people to stay away from valleys and water bodies. These conditions may also affect traffic and navigation, and often lead to the suspension of in-person classes in schools and universities to ensure student safety. On the positive side, these rains significantly contribute to replenishing the strategic groundwater reserves and supporting the agricultural sector, which is heavily reliant on rainfall. This, in turn, has a positive impact on the desert environment and increases vegetation cover in the region.