Saudi Arabia rains: Weather system hits the Eastern Province and 11 other regions for a week
Saudi Arabia is bracing for a wave of severe weather fluctuations, with the direct effects beginning in the Eastern Province and spreading to large parts of the country. According to the latest data from the National Center for Meteorology , this new rainy spell will last for a full week, accompanied by several weather phenomena that warrant attention.
The outputs of the Saudi numerical weather model showed strong indications of thunderstorm formation, accompanied by surface wind activity and a significant decrease in horizontal visibility. These forecasts come at a time when the Kingdom is experiencing its usual seasonal shifts, where air masses interact to create atmospheric instability affecting various terrains, from the coasts to the mountainous highlands.
Map of areas affected by the rainfall
The impact of this weather system is not limited to the Eastern Province; it extends across a wide geographical area encompassing 11 administrative regions. Forecasts indicate varying intensities of rainfall in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Qassim. The system also affects the southwestern highlands in the regions of Al-Baha, Asir, and Jazan, reaching as far north as the regions of Tabuk, Al-Jawf, and the Northern Borders.
This geographical diversity in the affected areas reflects the nature of the climate in the Kingdom, where coastal areas, highlands and inland plains are affected by different atmospheric pressure systems, making accurate forecasting and monitoring real-time updates crucial for the safety of the population and property.
Fog and flash flood warnings
In addition to the rain, the National Center for Meteorology warned of dense fog that may blanket the skies over several regions during the night and early morning hours. This warning is particularly focused on mountainous areas, parts of the Eastern Province, Hail, Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders, and Tabuk. The fog poses a significant challenge for drivers on highways and open roads, requiring extreme caution and maintaining a safe following distance.
In a related context, the General Directorate of Civil Defense stressed the importance of strictly adhering to safety guidelines during this period. It urged citizens and residents to stay away from valleys and flood channels, and to avoid attempting to cross them while they are flowing, given the extreme danger they pose to life. Relevant authorities across the Kingdom are working in continuous coordination to ensure the readiness of infrastructure and emergency teams to address any consequences that may arise from this ongoing rainfall.
