Civil Defense warning: Heavy rain and flash floods in Riyadh and several other regions

The General Directorate of Civil Defense issued urgent warnings to citizens and residents of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, urging them to exercise extreme caution due to the unstable weather conditions affecting several regions. This alert comes in response to reports from the National Center for Meteorology indicating continued moderate to heavy thunderstorms, necessitating strict adherence to safety guidelines.

Weather details and forecasts

According to the National Center for Meteorology's weather report, large parts of the Kingdom are expected to be affected by this rainy weather system. The forecast includes thunderstorms accompanied by hail and strong winds that will stir up dust and sand, potentially reducing horizontal visibility and causing flash floods in valleys and ravines. This severe weather system is expected to be concentrated over parts of the Riyadh, Qassim, Hail, and Eastern Province , as well as the southwestern highlands of Jazan, Asir, and Al-Baha the Makkah region .

The report also indicated the possibility of light to moderate rain in parts of the Madinah, Tabuk, Al-Jawf and Northern Borders regions, as well as parts of the Najran region, with the possibility of dense fog that may impede visibility in the early morning and late night hours.

Safety guidelines and prevention of flood risks

The Civil Defense stressed the importance of strictly following safety instructions to protect lives and property, and the guidelines included the following:

• Stay away immediately from flood channels and valley bottoms, and do not be present in them or cross them no matter how low the water level is.
• Avoid low-lying areas and pools of water that may form suddenly.
• Be careful when driving on slippery roads or when visibility is low due to dust or fog.
• Follow official media outlets and the accounts of the Civil Defense and Meteorology Department for continuous updates on the weather situation.

The context of the climate situation and the nature of rainfall in the Kingdom

These warnings are particularly important given the geographical nature of Saudi Arabia, where many areas are characterized by valleys and ravines that can fill with rainwater very quickly, creating what are known as "flash floods." This time of year is part of the transitional seasons, which often witness sharp and rapid weather changes, as different air masses interact to produce cumulonimbus clouds that bring thunderstorms and rain.

Ongoing coordination between the National Center of Meteorology and the General Directorate of Civil Defense is a cornerstone of natural disaster management. These proactive warnings aim to raise public awareness and mitigate potential risks arising from severe weather events. Authorities urge everyone to avoid spreading rumors and to obtain information only from official sources to ensure everyone's safety.