The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia has issued an advanced warning of expected rain across most of the Kingdom, beginning Friday, January 23, and continuing until Sunday, January 25. This weather system coincides with the weekend, and is expected to bring thunderstorms of varying intensity, ranging from moderate to heavy, accompanied by strong winds and hail in some areas.
Climate context and the importance of monsoon rains
This weather pattern is typical for Saudi Arabia during this time of year, a transitional period between seasons. This period is traditionally known for its rainfall, which revitalizes vegetation and replenishes groundwater resources. Farmers and herders rely heavily on these seasonal rains, known as "Al-Wasam," which herald a bountiful agricultural and grazing season. The National Center of Meteorology plays a vital role in monitoring these weather changes and issuing early warnings, enabling various sectors and citizens to prepare and respond effectively and safely.
Expected effects and calls for caution
The importance of these forecasts extends beyond the environmental and agricultural sectors to include public safety. With heavy rainfall expected, relevant authorities, primarily the General Directorate of Civil Defense, are issuing continuous warnings to citizens and residents, urging them to exercise caution, stay away from valleys and floodplains, and avoid low-lying areas. These weather conditions also affect traffic in cities and on highways, requiring careful driving. On a positive note, these rains contribute to improved air quality and cooler temperatures, providing an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful natural scenery after the rainfall, especially in desert areas and parks.
Details of the areas affected by the weather conditions
The center explained that the situation will include large areas of the Kingdom, and the details are as follows:
- Tabuk region: Moderate to heavy rain on Friday and Saturday (January 23-24), including Tabuk, Neom, Tayma, Haql, Al Wajh, Umluj, Al Bada, and Duba.
- Al-Jawf region: Moderate to heavy rain in Sakaka and Dumat Al-Jandal, and light to moderate rain in Al-Qurayyat and Tabarjal on Friday and Saturday.
- Northern Borders Region: Moderate to heavy rain in Arar, Rafha and Al-Uwaiqilah, and light to moderate rain in Tarif on Friday and Saturday.
- Hail region: Moderate to heavy rain on Friday and Saturday in the city of Hail and the governorates of Al-Ghazala, Al-Shamli, Al-Hait, Al-Shanan, Baqaa, Samira, Al-Sulaimi and Muwaqq.
- Madinah region: It will begin with light to moderate rain on Friday in Al-Ula and Al-Ais, then intensify on Saturday to become moderate to heavy and include Madinah, Yanbu, Khaybar, Badr and Al-Hanakiya.
- Eastern Province: Moderate to heavy rain from Friday to Sunday in Hafr Al-Batin, Al-Khafji, and Qaryat Al-Ulya, while light to moderate rain from Saturday to Sunday in Dammam, Al-Khobar, Jubail, Qatif, and Al-Ahsa.
- Al-Qassim region: Moderate to heavy rain from Saturday to Sunday morning in Buraidah, Unaizah, Ar-Rass, and most of the region's governorates.
- Riyadh region: Light to moderate rain from Saturday to Sunday morning in the capital Riyadh and the governorates of Al Majmaah, Al Zulfi, Al Dawadmi, Al Kharj and Al Quwai’iyah.
- Makkah Region: Light to moderate rain on Saturday in the Holy City, Jeddah, Rabigh, Khulais and Al-Kamil.
Classification of rainfall intensity and associated phenomena
The center explained that rainfall intensity is classified as follows:
- Light rain: amounts ranging between (1-4 mm/hour) and accompanied by winds reaching speeds of up to 50 km/hour.
- Moderate rainfall: amounts ranging between (5-9 mm/hour) and may be accompanied by winds reaching up to 60 km/hour with the possibility of flash floods and hail.
- Heavy rainfall: amounts exceeding (10-50 mm/hour), accompanied by strong winds exceeding 60 km/hour, with a high probability of flash floods and hail.
