The General Directorate of Civil Defense in Saudi Arabia issued urgent warnings to citizens and residents, urging them to exercise extreme caution due to the expected weather conditions affecting most regions of the Kingdom, starting tomorrow, Friday, and continuing until next Sunday. These warnings come in response to meteorological reports indicating thunderstorms of varying intensity that could lead to flash floods in valleys and ravines.
Weather details in Mecca and Riyadh
The Directorate explained in its statement that weather forecasts indicate the Makkah region will be affected by light to moderate rainfall. This rainfall is expected to lead to flash floods and hail, accompanied by active downdrafts that may stir up dust and reduce horizontal visibility. This weather pattern includes the Holy City of Makkah, and the governorates of Jeddah, Rabigh, Khulais, Al-Jumum, Bahrah, and Al-Kamil.
In a similar context, the Riyadh region will experience light to moderate rainfall, which may result in flash floods, hail, and dust storms. Civil Defense has identified the affected areas as including Riyadh (the capital), 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, Al Kharj, and Layla.
Heavy rain in the northern and eastern regions
Regarding the northern and eastern regions, the Directorate indicated that the weather conditions will be more severe, with moderate to heavy rainfall expected. This rainfall could lead to flash floods and hail, and includes the regions of Tabuk, Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders, Madinah, Hail, Al-Qassim, and the Eastern Province.
Safety guidelines and the importance of adhering to instructions
The General Directorate of Civil Defense emphasized the importance of adhering to public safety guidelines during this period. These guidelines include the necessity of remaining in safe locations during rainfall, staying away from areas prone to flash floods, waterlogged areas, valleys, and dams, and not attempting to cross flood channels regardless of how low the water level may seem. Swimming in these areas is also strongly discouraged due to the high risk.
These warnings are of paramount importance given the geographical nature of some regions of the Kingdom, where heavy rainfall can cause flash floods that travel rapidly through valleys, posing a danger to hikers and road users. This proactive measure by the relevant authorities aims to ensure the safety of lives and property, urging everyone to obtain information from official sources, reliable media outlets, and the Directorate's social media channels.
