Eastern Province rains: Red alert, flash floods in 10 governorates, and important warnings
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia has raised the weather alert level to "red" in the Eastern Province, warning of severe and widespread unstable weather conditions. Heavy rainfall accompanied by extreme weather phenomena is expected, impacting daily life in 10 major provinces. These warnings are part of the ongoing monitoring of weather fluctuations to ensure the safety of citizens and residents.
Details of the rainfall situation and its timings
According to weather forecasts, the rainy conditions will last for approximately 21 consecutive hours, beginning Thursday morning and continuing into the early hours of Friday morning. Weather maps indicate that the onset will be earlier in the northern provinces of the region, specifically in Khafji, Nairyah, and Qaryat Al-Ulya, where these areas will experience heavy rainfall and strong winds that will reduce horizontal visibility, starting from 5:00 AM until 4:00 PM.
As the day progresses, the area covered by rain-bearing thunderstorms will expand to encompass the Dammam metropolitan area and the eastern coastal provinces, including Jubail, Khobar, Qatif, and Ras Tanura. These cities are expected to experience heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in low-lying areas, accompanied by lightning and high sea waves. The peak of this weather event is expected to last from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Al-Ahsa and border regions are in the eye of the storm
The forecast also included the southern and inland provinces, with Al-Ahsa and Buqayq expected to be affected by the same severe weather phenomena, accompanied by strong warnings of near-zero visibility and flash floods. In border and remote areas, the center issued a longer warning for the Al-Udayd region, beginning at 10:00 AM on Thursday and continuing until 1:00 AM on Friday, urging extreme caution for those traveling on highways in these open areas.
The importance of the red alert and safety measures
The "Red Alert" is the highest level of alert in the National Center of Meteorology's automated warning system, indicating severe weather phenomena that require the utmost caution. These situations are typically accompanied by a mobilization of relevant authorities, primarily the Civil Defense, which continuously reiterates its calls to stay away from water accumulations, valleys, and dams, and to avoid crossing flood channels for any reason.
climatic context and impact of the situation
This rainy spell is part of the usual weather fluctuations for this time of year, as the Kingdom's atmosphere is affected by low-pressure systems that contribute to seasonal rainfall, which is vital for groundwater and vegetation. However, heavy rainfall can pose a risk in densely populated cities. This weather pattern directly impacts traffic and transportation, requiring drivers to adhere to speed limits and maintain safe distances, especially given the forecast of downdrafts that may stir up dust and sand before the rain arrives.
Official authorities urge everyone to follow the reports issued by the National Center for Meteorology moment by moment, and to comply with the instructions of the security and field authorities to ensure that this weather situation passes safely.
