Red alert in Medina: Heavy rain and flash floods expected until evening
The National Center for Meteorology renewed its severe warnings to residents and visitors of Medina, issuing a red alert for the second consecutive day, cautioning against unstable weather conditions characterized by heavy rainfall. The center explained that these weather conditions began affecting the city on Sunday and are expected to continue until 10:00 PM, necessitating the utmost caution.
Weather details in Medina
According to the weather report, the effects of the weather in the Madinah region will not be limited to rainfall alone, but will be accompanied by several weather phenomena that will increase the severity of the situation. These phenomena include high-speed winds that may lead to near-zero horizontal visibility, in addition to hail, flash floods in valleys and ravines, and strong thunderstorms.
Weather forecast for Mecca and other regions
In connection with the current weather conditions in the Kingdom, the center issued a warning regarding the Holy City of Mecca, forecasting moderate rainfall tomorrow, Monday, continuing until 10:00 PM. The forecast also includes thunderstorms of varying intensity across most regions of Saudi Arabia, with this weather pattern expected to persist until next Thursday.
The report indicated that the rainy weather will cover a wide geographical area including the regions of: Asir, Al-Baha, Makkah, Madinah, Tabuk, Hail, Al-Qassim, Jazan, Al-Jawf, the Northern Borders, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, including coastal governorates such as Jeddah and Taif.
Red alert indicators and the importance of adhering to instructions
The “Red Alert” is the highest level of alert in the National Center for Meteorology’s automated early warning system. It signifies that severe weather conditions are expected, requiring safety precautions and urging people to stay away from hazardous areas. This system is part of the Kingdom’s efforts to develop its public safety and disaster response capabilities. The Center utilizes the latest technologies to monitor and track cloud and wind movements, providing accurate and real-time information to citizens and residents.
Geographical nature and the impact of flash floods
These warnings are particularly important given the geographical nature of Medina and many other regions of Saudi Arabia, which are characterized by a network of valleys and ravines. During heavy rainfall, these valleys can quickly transform into raging torrents that pose a real threat to life and property. Historically, the region has experienced similar rainfall events, highlighting the importance of staying away from valley bottoms and never attempting to cross floodwaters, regardless of the reason.
Associated phenomena and safety recommendations
The National Center of Meteorology noted that the accompanying weather phenomena may include active downdrafts stirring up dust and sand, with speeds exceeding 60 km/h, negatively impacting visibility and road safety. High waves are also expected in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf.
Accordingly, the relevant authorities, including the Civil Defense, urge everyone to follow official weather reports, stay in safe places during rainfall, and avoid low-lying areas and water pools, to ensure everyone’s safety during these seasonal weather fluctuations.
