Red alert: Heavy rains hit 7 regions in Saudi Arabia today

The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued a high-risk warning, classified as a "red alert," forecasting heavy rainfall today, Wednesday, across large parts of seven major regions in the Kingdom. This warning comes as part of ongoing monitoring of the weather situation, with changes expected to begin in the early morning and continue into the evening, necessitating the utmost caution from citizens and residents.

Climate change and rainfall history in the Kingdom

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has witnessed significant changes in climatic patterns, with rainfall periods becoming more intense and frequent compared to previous decades. Historically, some western and southwestern regions, such as Asir, Al-Baha, and Makkah, have been known to receive higher amounts of seasonal rainfall due to their geographical and mountainous terrain. However, the extension of these rainfall patterns to northern regions like Tabuk and Hail reflects important regional climatic shifts. This rainfall plays a vital role in replenishing groundwater and supporting vegetation cover, which aligns with national environmental initiatives aimed at combating desertification and increasing green spaces.

Map of areas affected by heavy rainfall

The weather report indicated that rainfall would begin between 8:00 and 9:00 AM Saudi time, and continue in some areas until 8:00 and 11:00 PM. The areas covered by the warning include the following:

• Makkah Al-Mukarramah: Adham, Maysan, Al-Khurmah, Al-Muwayh, Turbah, and Ranyah.
• Medina: Al-Ula, Khaybar, Al-Ais, Al-Rais, Yanbu, Medina, Badr, and Wadi Al-Fara.
• Tabuk: Tayma, Tabuk, Al Wajh, Umluj, Al Bada, Haql, Duba, and Neom Sharma.
• Al-Baha: Al-Hujrah, Al-Makhwah, Far’ah Ghamid Al-Zanad, Qalwah, Al-Baha, Al-Aqiq, Al-Mandaq, Al-Qura, Baljurashi, and Bani Hassan.
• Hail: Al-Shanan, Baqaa, Samira, Al-Hait, Al-Sulaimi, Al-Shamli, Al-Ghazala, Hail, and Muwaqq.
• Asir: Al Namas, Balqarn, Tanomah, Al Harjah, Al Rabua, Al Farsha, Sarat Abidah, Dhahran Al Janoub, Abha, Ahad Rafidah, and Khamis Mushait.
• Jazan: Al-Harth, Al-Dayer, Al-Raith, Al-Ardah, Al-Aydabi, Fifa, and Haroub.

Expected impacts of the weather situation at the local and regional levels

The significance of this weather event extends beyond mere rainfall, encompassing direct impacts on infrastructure and daily life. Locally, it is accompanied by high winds leading to near-zero visibility, hail, flash floods in valleys and ravines, high waves along the coast, and frequent thunderstorms. Regionally, these phenomena highlight the interconnectedness of weather systems in the Arabian Peninsula, impacting land transportation and necessitating close coordination among relevant authorities to ensure the continuity of supply chains and the safety of travelers between different cities and regions.

Civil Defense guidelines to ensure public safety

Under these circumstances, the General Directorate of Civil Defense called on all citizens and residents to exercise extreme caution. It stressed the importance of strictly adhering to preventive guidelines and avoiding going out except when absolutely necessary during the peak of the weather event. It also issued a firm warning against approaching water accumulations, valleys, and dams, as flash floods pose a serious threat to lives and property. The relevant authorities urged everyone to follow the continuous updates issued by the National Center of Meteorology through its official channels to ensure they remain informed of any emergency weather developments.