Heavy rains in Saudi Arabia: Meteorology issues red alert today
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an advanced red alert, warning of heavy rainfall across large parts of four major regions on Monday. This warning comes amidst severe weather fluctuations affecting the region, with the heavy rain expected to begin at 4:00 AM and continue until 9:00 PM, accompanied by various weather effects including strong surface winds and a significant decrease in horizontal visibility.
Distribution of the map showing heavy rainfall in Saudi Arabia and the affected areas
Reports issued by the Meteorology Center precisely identified the geographical locations most vulnerable to flash floods and hail. In the Eastern Province, the weather event is concentrated in Hafr Al-Batin Governorate. In the Riyadh region, warnings include the governorates of Al-Zulfi, Al-Ghat, Al-Majma'ah, and Shaqra.
In the Qassim region, a wide area of governorates and districts is expected to experience heavy rainfall, including 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. The Hail region is also not immune to these effects, with the weather system impacting Al-Shanan, Baqaa, Samira, Al-Hait, As-Sulaimi, Ash-Shamli, Al-Ghazalah, Hail city, and Muwaqq.
Climate change and seasonal variations in the Arabian Peninsula
Historically, the Arabian Peninsula and Saudi Arabia experience seasonal weather fluctuations known locally as rainy seasons, such as "Al-Wasam" or "Al-Sarayat," characterized by the formation of cumulonimbus clouds that bring heavy rainfall over short periods. In recent years, experts have observed an increase in the intensity of these extreme weather phenomena due to global climate change impacting weather patterns in the Middle East. This makes early preparedness and the issuance of early warnings crucial for protecting lives and property and mitigating potential risks.
Expected effects and recommended safety measures
Locally and regionally, the effects of this weather system extend beyond mere rainfall. High-speed winds, hail, and flash floods in valleys are causing temporary disruptions to land transportation between governorates and affecting some daily activities. The General Directorate of Civil Defense urged citizens and residents to exercise caution, stay away from valleys and flood channels, and adhere to official instructions issued through approved channels. These weather conditions are also impacting air traffic and logistics regionally, necessitating ongoing coordination among meteorological agencies in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to monitor the movement of air masses and their interactions.
General weather forecast for the rest of the Kingdom
In addition to the four regions already under red alert, the National Center for Meteorology expects continued moderate to heavy thunderstorms leading to flash floods and hail in parts of the Northern Borders, Madinah, and Makkah regions. Dust-raising winds are also expected in parts of the Al-Jawf and Tabuk regions, with the possibility of thunderstorms over the southwestern highlands of Al-Baha, Asir, and Jazan, particularly their eastern areas.
