Red alert: Heavy thunderstorms hit 3 regions in Saudi Arabia

In an urgent weather development, the National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued a red alert warning of heavy thunderstorms expected to hit three major regions on Friday. These warnings are issued as part of the authorities' commitment to the safety of citizens and residents, as the storms will be accompanied by high-speed winds leading to near-zero visibility, hail, flash floods, and intense lightning strikes, continuing until 9:00 PM this evening.

Details of areas affected by heavy thunderstorms

The National Center for Meteorology explained that the red alert covers a wide geographical area extending across three vital regions in the Kingdom, which are as follows:

• Asir region: The warnings included the governorates of Al-Harjah, Al-Rabou’ah, Al-Farsha, Sarat Abidah, Dhahran Al-Janoub, and the centers and villages affiliated with them.
• Hail region: The warning has been extended to include the governorates of Al-Shanan, Baqaa, Samira, Al-Hait, Al-Sulaimi, Al-Shamli, Al-Ghazala, Hail city, Muwaqq, and neighboring areas.
• Al-Qassim region: The alert included the governorates of Abanat, Al-Khabra, Ar-Rass, Al-Fawarah, An-Nabhania, Riyadh Al-Khabra, Dhariyah, Uqlat As-Suqur, Al-Asyah, Al-Badai, Al-Bukairiyah, Ath-Thamiriya, Ash-Shamasiyah, Al-Ammar, Al-Mudhnib, Buraydah, Unayzah, and Uyun Al-Jawa.

Climate change and the history of weather events in the Kingdom

Saudi Arabia is characterized by a predominantly arid desert climate for most of the year. However, historical and climatic records indicate that it experiences periods of extreme weather fluctuations during seasonal transitions. Historically, regions such as Asir, Qassim, and Hail have witnessed varying levels of rainfall, particularly during the "Wasam" season or periods of tropical expansion, which bring moisture from the Arabian Sea and the Red Sea. In recent years, meteorologists have observed an increase in the frequency and intensity of these extreme weather events, reflecting the impact of global climate change on the Arabian Peninsula. The National Center of Meteorology plays a pivotal and historic role in monitoring these shifts, utilizing the latest radar and satellite technologies to provide early and accurate warnings that contribute to protecting lives and property.

Expected weather impacts on public life and infrastructure

This weather event is of great importance and has multifaceted effects at both the local and regional levels. Locally, these heavy rainfalls are raising water levels in dams, which will positively impact water reserves and the agricultural sector in regions like Qassim and Hail, known for their agricultural activity. However, the most important aspect remains the warning, as flash floods and poor visibility require a full mobilization of civil defense teams and traffic authorities to manage traffic and prevent accidents. The situation may also necessitate activating emergency plans to maintain public safety.

Regionally, weather systems affecting the Kingdom often extend their impact to neighboring Gulf countries, making warnings issued by the Saudi Meteorological Authority an important reference for regional centers to raise their levels of preparedness. Official authorities consistently emphasize the need for everyone to adhere to issued instructions, stay away from valleys and floodplains, and follow continuous updates to ensure a safe passage through this exceptional weather event.