Heavy rains hit Riyadh: Meteorology issues red alert
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued a red alert, warning of heavy rainfall in Riyadh and surrounding areas, accompanied by strong downdrafts. The center explained that this unstable weather system will begin to affect the region at 3:00 PM on Tuesday and continue until 11:00 PM that same day, urging citizens and residents to exercise extreme caution.
Areas covered by the red alert in the capital and its governorates
The expected rainfall will affect several major governorates in the Riyadh region, most notably Al-Zulfi, Al-Ghat, Al-Majma'ah, Shaqra, Thadiq, Huraymila, Dhurma, and Marat. These weather fluctuations will be characterized by direct impacts including heavy hail, flash floods in valleys and ravines, strong thunderstorms, and near-zero horizontal visibility due to dust-laden downdrafts.
Seasonal weather fluctuations in the central plateau of the Kingdom
This wave of atmospheric instability is part of the seasonal climate changes that the Arabian Peninsula experiences during the transition between seasons. Historically, the central plateau of Saudi Arabia, particularly the Riyadh region, has witnessed sudden heavy rainfall events resulting from the convergence of cold air masses from the north with warm, humid low-pressure systems originating from the Arabian Sea and tropical regions. While these weather phenomena are common at certain times of the year, their intensity and frequency now necessitate close and continuous monitoring by relevant authorities to mitigate the associated natural hazards.
Effects of heavy rainfall on Riyadh and preventive measures
These weather warnings are not only important locally, but also affect transportation, economic activities, and education in the central region, which is vital to the Kingdom. Heavy rainfall in Riyadh necessitates the activation of emergency plans and coordinated efforts between Civil Defense and municipalities to ensure road safety and efficient drainage of rainwater. The National Center of Meteorology and the General Directorate of Civil Defense urged everyone to stay away from valleys and flood channels, avoid driving in low-lying areas, and fully comply with official instructions issued through approved media channels to ensure the safety of lives and property.
