Red alert: Heavy rain expected in 6 regions of Saudi Arabia today
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an urgent report, including a red alert, warning of heavy rainfall across large parts of six major regions on Thursday. These warnings are part of the authorities' commitment to the safety of citizens and residents and to providing accurate information about the weather fluctuations affecting the country to avoid any potential hazards.
Climate change and rainy seasons in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is characterized by a dry desert climate for most of the year, but it experiences transitional periods and specific seasons with varying rainfall. In recent years, a noticeable shift in regional climatic patterns has been observed, leading to an increase in the frequency and intensity of rainfall events. This climatic change has made the role of the National Center for Meteorology extremely vital, as it relies on advanced monitoring systems to issue early warnings, such as the "Red Alert," to mitigate risks and protect lives and property in various cities and provinces.
Red alert details and timing of heavy rainfall
The weather report indicated that the weather phenomenon began at 1:00 AM in some areas and at 2:00 AM in others. This unstable weather is expected to continue until 5:00 PM on Thursday. Warnings are not limited to rainfall but also include other serious effects such as high-speed winds leading to near-zero horizontal visibility, hail, flash floods in valleys and ravines, high waves in coastal areas, and frequent thunderstorms.
Areas and cities covered by the warnings
Rainfall is distributed across several geographical areas, including:
- Eastern Province: Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, Qatif, Ras Tanura, Hafr Al-Batin, Khafji, Nairyah, and Qaryat Al-Ulya.
- Makkah Region: Al-Khurmah, Al-Muwayh, Turabah, Ranyah, Adham, Maysan, and Taif.
- Riyadh region: Al-Zulfi, Al-Ghat, Al-Majma’ah, Shaqra, Al-Rayn, Al-Quway’iyah, Al-Dawadmi, Afif, Thadiq, Huraymila, Rumah, Dhurma, and Marat.
- Al-Qassim region: Al-Asyah, Al-Badai’, Al-Bukayriyah, Al-Thamiriya, Al-Shamasiya, 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.
- Asir region: Al Namas, Balqarn, and Tanomah.
- Al-Baha region: Al-Aqiq, Al-Qura, Al-Mandaq, Al-Baha, Baljurashi, and Bani Hassan.
The impact of weather conditions on public life and safety measures
This weather event is of great importance and has a direct impact locally, as such advanced warnings trigger the activation of emergency plans by the General Directorate of Civil Defense and relevant authorities. These fluctuations directly affect traffic flow, requiring drivers to exercise extreme caution. The weather conditions may also impact the educational process and work operations in various sectors to ensure safety. Authorities consistently urge everyone to stay away from valleys, flood channels, and water accumulations, and to adhere to official instructions to navigate this weather situation safely.
