Medina weather today: Heavy rain and flash flood warnings

The Medina region witnessed moderate to heavy rainfall in scattered areas this evening, while the sky remains overcast, indicating a chance of more rain in the coming hours. This weather pattern is part of a wave of unstable conditions affecting the Kingdom, prompting the National Center of Meteorology to issue important warnings to residents and visitors, urging them to exercise caution.

Weather details in Medina

The National Center for Meteorology explained in its daily report that the rainy weather includes several governorates in the region, most notably Al-Ais, Badr, Al-Rais, and Yanbu. The warning went into effect in the early morning hours and will continue until the evening, with the rain expected to be accompanied by various weather phenomena, including:

• High-speed winds may stir up dust and sand.
• A lack of or reduced horizontal visibility, which necessitates caution while driving on highways.
• Hail fell in some locations.
• Flash floods in valleys and ravines, in addition to the occurrence of thunderstorms.

Geographical context and the importance of warnings

Weather warnings are particularly important in the Madinah region due to its geography; the city is surrounded by mountains and famous valleys such as Wadi Al-Aqiq and Wadi Qanat. Historically, these valleys are known for their ability to collect rainwater very quickly, which can pose a danger in the event of heavy rainfall and flash floods. Therefore, relevant authorities, including the Civil Defense, consistently emphasize the need to stay away from valley bottoms and flood channels during these rainy periods and to avoid crossing valleys, no matter how low the water level may seem.

Saudi Arabia weather forecast and affected areas

The current weather conditions are not limited to Medina alone, but extend to large areas of Saudi Arabia. The National Center for Meteorology has revealed forecasts of continued thunderstorms of varying intensity, from moderate to heavy, accompanied by hail and strong, dust-raising winds.

The areas affected by this wave include:

• The Qassim and Hail region.
• Northern regions such as Tabuk, Al-Jawf, and the Northern Borders.
• The Eastern Province and the northern parts of the Riyadh region.

General impact and preventive advice

These seasonal rains are an important part of the Kingdom's climate system, contributing to irrigating vegetation and replenishing groundwater. However, they require a high level of public awareness to address the associated risks. Experts advise following real-time weather forecasts through official platforms and postponing road travel between cities affected by the heavy rains unless absolutely necessary, to ensure everyone's safety.