Red alert: Heavy rains hit 4 regions in Saudi Arabia today
The National Center for Meteorology issued an urgent report, including a "red alert," warning of heavy rainfall in Saudi Arabia, specifically affecting large parts of four major regions during the evening hours of Thursday. The center explained that this exceptional weather condition is expected to continue, God willing, until 9:00 PM, necessitating the utmost caution from citizens and residents. This weather system will be accompanied by severe effects, including strong winds leading to near-zero horizontal visibility, heavy hail, flash floods in valleys and ravines, and powerful thunderstorms.
Areas in Saudi Arabia expected to receive heavy rainfall
The meteorological report detailed the areas affected by this rainy weather system, as follows:
Riyadh Region: The system includes the governorates of Dawadmi and Afif.
Makkah Region: Rainfall is concentrated in Ash-Shirah and Taif.
Asir Region: Warnings include Al-Namas, Balqarn, Tanomah, Bisha, Rijal Alma, Mahayil, Al-Majardah, Bariq, Al-Harjah, Al-Rabou'ah, Al-Farshah, Sarat Abidah, and Dhahran Al-Janoub.
: The following areas are affected: Al-Asyah, Al-Badai', Al-Bukayriyah, Al-Thamirah, Al-Shamasiyah, Al-Ammar, Al-Mudhnib, Buraydah, Unayzah, Uyun Al-Jawa, Abanat, Al-Khabra, Ar-Rass, Al-Fawarah, An-Nabhaniah, Riyadh Al-Khabra, Dhariyah, and Uqlat As-Suqur.
Jazan Region: The system includes Al-Harth, Ad-Dayer, Ar-Raith, Al-Aridhah, Al-Aydabi, Fifa, and Harub.
Climate fluctuations and the history of rainfall events in the Kingdom
The Arabian Peninsula in general, and Saudi Arabia in particular, has witnessed significant climate changes in recent years. Historically, the transitional periods between seasons in the Kingdom are known for their sharp weather fluctuations, with cumulonimbus clouds forming as a result of the convergence of warm, humid air masses from the Arabian Sea and the Red Sea with cold air masses in the upper atmosphere. This natural phenomenon, common at this time of year, contributes to rainfall, but it can sometimes become violent, prompting authorities to issue early warnings to ensure public safety. This climatic system is part of a natural cycle that contributes to replenishing the Kingdom's groundwater resources.
Expected weather impacts on infrastructure and public life
These weather warnings are of paramount importance both locally and regionally. Locally, heavy rains and flash floods directly impact transportation and traffic, necessitating the activation of emergency plans by Civil Defense and municipal authorities to ensure rainwater drainage and secure vital roads. These rains also play a crucial role in supporting the agricultural sector, particularly in regions like Qassim, Asir, and Jazan, which rely heavily on rainwater to irrigate terraced fields and extensive farms. Regionally, these weather events reflect the advanced state of the Kingdom's monitoring and early warning systems, which have become a model for managing crises and natural disasters, thus enhancing the region's overall ability to adapt to global climate change and minimize potential material and human losses.
Full weather details for Thursday
In a related context, the National Center for Meteorology, in its comprehensive weather report for Thursday across the Kingdom, predicted that the chance of thunderstorms ranging from moderate to heavy remains high. These storms, which may lead to flash floods and be accompanied by hail, will affect parts of the Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, and Makkah regions. The effects of this weather system are also expected to extend to parts of the Madinah, Hail, Qassim, and Riyadh regions. The report also indicated the possibility of light to moderate rain in parts of the Eastern Province and Najran. Meanwhile, active winds stirring up dust and sand will continue, potentially reducing horizontal visibility in parts of these regions, as well as parts of the Northern Borders and Al-Jawf regions, and the coastal areas of Tabuk.
