Red alert: Heavy rain expected in Saudi Arabia today
The National Center for Meteorology issued an advanced red alert, warning of heavy rainfall in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. The center explained that this rainy weather system will directly affect large parts of five vital regions in the Kingdom, necessitating the utmost caution from citizens and residents to avoid the risks associated with the expected weather fluctuations.
The effects of this weather system include high-speed winds, reduced horizontal visibility, hail, flash floods, and thunderstorms. The areas affected by the red alert are distributed as follows:
- Eastern Province: Includes Khafji, Al-Nairiyah, Qaryat Al-Ulya, and Hafr Al-Batin.
- Riyadh region: includes Thadiq, Huraymila, Rumah, Dhurma, Marat, Dawadmi, Al-Rayn, Al-Quway'iyah, Afif, Al-Zulfi, Al-Ghat, Al-Majma'ah, and Shaqra.
- Hail region: includes Al-Shanan and Baqaa.
- Al-Qassim region: includes Al-Asyah, Al-Badai’, Al-Bukayriyah, Al-Thamiriyah, Al-Khabra, Ar-Rass, Ash-Shamasiyah, Al-Ammar, Al-Fawarah, Al-Mudhnib, Buraydah, Riyadh Al-Khabra, Unayzah, and Uyun Al-Jawa.
- Northern Borders Region: Includes Rafha Governorate.
Climate change and the context of heavy rainfall in Saudi Arabia
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has witnessed significant shifts in weather and climate patterns, particularly during the transitions between dry and rainy seasons. These extreme weather events, characterized by heavy rainfall and flash floods, are part of recurring climatic phenomena affecting the entire Arabian Peninsula. Historically, rainfall in the Kingdom was seasonal and limited, but global climate change has contributed to an increase in the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, making monitoring and forecasting these fluctuations crucial for protecting lives and public and private property.
Expected impacts and national safety measures
The impact of this wave of heavy rains extends beyond simply disrupting daily traffic; it directly affects infrastructure and open agricultural areas. Locally, the Saudi General Directorate of Civil Defense announced a heightened state of alert and the readiness of its field teams to respond to any emergencies that may arise from flash floods in valleys and ravines. Security and service authorities also urged citizens and residents to adhere to safety guidelines, stay away from valleys and flood channels, and refrain from attempting to cross them under any circumstances.
Regionally, these weather warnings reflect the growing interest in enhancing the efficiency of early warning systems in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which face similar climatic challenges. These proactive measures contribute to reducing economic and human losses and strengthen the resilience of cities and provinces in the face of natural disasters, placing the Kingdom at the forefront of countries adopting advanced global standards in managing weather crises and disasters.
