The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an important report today, warning of an unstable weather system affecting the Kingdom. Thunderstorms of varying intensity are expected across most regions. This active weather system will begin tomorrow, Friday, and continue until next Sunday, urging citizens and residents to take precautions.
Weather details and most affected areas
According to the center's report, the rainy weather will be accompanied by several weather phenomena, including strong downdrafts that will stir up dust and sand, with speeds potentially exceeding 60 km/h. This will reduce horizontal visibility in some open areas and on highways. The forecast also indicates the possibility of hail, a high probability of flash floods in valleys and ravines, and a significant increase in wave height along the coast.
The center identified the regions expected to experience moderate to heavy rainfall: Tabuk, Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders, Hail, Al-Qassim, and Madinah. The weather system will affect a large number of governorates and cities, including Neom, Tayma, Haql, Al-Wajh, Umluj, Sakaka, Arar, Rafha, Buraydah, Unayzah, and Ar-Rass, in addition to Yanbu and Khaybar in the Madinah region.
Weather forecast for Riyadh, Mecca, and the Eastern Province
The forecast wasn't limited to the northern and western regions; the report indicated that the rainy weather would extend to the Riyadh region, the Eastern Province, and the Makkah region, with these areas expected to experience light to moderate rainfall. This includes the capital, Riyadh, and its surrounding governorates, as well as Hafr Al-Batin, Dammam, Jubail, and Al-Ahsa. In the Makkah region, the affected areas include the Holy City of Makkah, Jeddah, Rabigh, Khulais, and Al-Jumum.
The importance of adhering to safety guidelines and smart systems
These warnings come as part of the Kingdom's efforts to ensure the safety of lives and property, especially given that the topography of some Saudi regions can contribute to the formation of flash floods that travel at high speeds during heavy rainfall. These weather fluctuations are part of the region's climatic characteristics during transitional seasons, requiring a high level of preparedness from service providers and civil defense.
In this regard, the National Center of Meteorology stressed the importance of following real-time reports and warnings issued through its official channels, including its website and social media platforms, as well as utilizing the "Anwaa" application, which provides accurate and up-to-date weather information. It also urged everyone to fully comply with Civil Defense instructions, stay away from floodplains and valleys during rainfall, and avoid going to sea due to expected high waves.
