A widespread weather system will hit the Kingdom at the end of the week
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an important warning regarding unstable weather conditions expected to affect most regions of the Kingdom on Friday and Saturday, February 6th and 7th. The forecast indicates moderate to heavy thunderstorms, accompanied by strong winds and hail, with a high probability of flash flooding in some areas. The Center urged citizens and residents to exercise extreme caution and stay updated on weather forecasts.
The climatic context and the importance of rainfall for the Kingdom
This rainfall is part of the winter and spring rainy season, a vital period for Saudi Arabia, a country characterized by its predominantly desert climate. These rains are a primary source for replenishing groundwater reserves, supporting the agricultural sector, and improving vegetation cover, which positively impacts the environment and wildlife. Despite their importance, heavy rainfall over a short period can pose a significant challenge, particularly in urban areas and valleys, which can become flash flood channels. This necessitates full preparedness from relevant authorities, such as the Civil Defense.
Details of the areas affected by the weather conditions
The National Center for Meteorology's report provided a detailed map of the expected rainfall distribution, showing that the effects will cover wide areas from the north to the south of the Kingdom, and from the east to the west. The most affected areas are listed below:
- Northern regions: Light to moderate rain is expected in the Tabuk region (Neom, Tayma, Haql), Al-Jawf region (Sakaka, Al-Qurayyat), and the Northern Borders region (Tarif, Arar), with expectations of rain that may become heavy in Rafha on Saturday.
- Western Region: The Madinah region will be affected by moderate to heavy rainfall, particularly in the governorates of Al-Mahd and Wadi Al-Fara. The Makkah region will also experience varying intensities of rain, ranging from moderate to heavy in Taif, Al-Khurmah, Turabah, and Ranyah.
- Central Region: Light to moderate rain is expected in the Riyadh region, including the capital, while heavy rain is expected in governorates such as Dawadmi, Majmaah, Zulfi, and Quway'iyah. Similarly, moderate to heavy rain is expected in the Qassim region, particularly in Buraydah, Unayzah, and Ar Rass.
- Eastern Province: Moderate to heavy rain is expected in Hafr Al-Batin, Al-Khafji and Al-Nairiyah, extending to include Dammam, Al-Khobar and Al-Ahsa on Saturday with light to moderate rain.
- Southern regions: The Al-Baha region will be affected by moderate rainfall, including the city of Al-Baha and its governorates.
Warnings of accompanying weather phenomena
The center's warning wasn't limited to rainfall alone, but also included accompanying weather phenomena that could exacerbate the situation. Strong downdrafts, reaching speeds of 60 km/h or more, are expected to accompany the rain, leading to dust storms and reduced horizontal visibility. The center also warned of the possibility of heavy hail and high waves along the coast. In severe weather conditions, the formation of tornadoes or waterspouts cannot be ruled out. The center stressed the importance of staying away from valleys and floodplains and exercising caution while driving on the roads.
