Red alert in Riyadh and the Eastern Province: Heavy rain and flash floods expected until morning
The National Center for Meteorology issued an urgent alert, classified as a "red alert," warning of unstable weather conditions directly affecting large parts of the Riyadh and Eastern Provinces. This report comes as part of the ongoing monitoring of weather and efforts to protect lives and property from the consequences of severe weather fluctuations.
Weather details in Riyadh
The center explained in its report that the capital, Riyadh, and its surrounding governorates are experiencing heavy rainfall that will continue until 3:00 AM on Tuesday. This warning includes: Diriyah, Riyadh, Al-Kharj, Al-Dilam, Al-Muzahmiyah, Hawtat Bani Tamim, and Al-Hariq. This weather condition is characterized by several severe accompanying phenomena, including:
- High-speed winds may cause unsecured objects to be blown away.
- There is an almost complete lack of horizontal visibility, which calls for extreme caution while driving.
- Hail fell in varying intensities.
- Flash floods in valleys and ravines, accompanied by strong thunderstorms and dense fog.
Rainfall conditions in the Eastern Province
Simultaneously with the situation in Riyadh, the National Center for Meteorology warned of continued moderate to heavy rainfall in the Eastern Province, which is also expected to continue until the early hours of Tuesday morning. This weather system covers vital cities and governorates including: Jubail, Khobar, Dammam, Dhahran, Qatif, Ras Tanura, Khafji, Nairyah, Qaryat Al-Ulya, Al-Ahsa, Al-Udayd, Abqaiq, and Hafr Al-Batin.
The accompanying effects in the Eastern Province are similar to those in the Riyadh region, where the center warned of strong downdrafts, flash floods, and thunderstorms that may pose a danger to those in open areas.
The importance of adhering to safety instructions
Under these weather conditions, Civil Defense warnings become of paramount importance. Authorities typically urge citizens and residents in such situations (red alert) to exercise extreme caution and stay away from areas where water accumulates, including valleys and dams. They also advise against going out except when absolutely necessary during peak rainfall periods to ensure public safety and reduce traffic accidents caused by vehicles skidding or poor visibility.
climatic and technological context
These weather fluctuations are part of the Kingdom's typical climatic patterns during transitional and winter seasons, when low-pressure systems bring significant amounts of rainfall. The issuance of the "red alert" reflects a major advancement in the National Center for Meteorology's early warning system, which relies on sophisticated monitoring technologies and precise satellite imagery to determine the path and intensity of cumulonimbus clouds. This effectively enhances the preparedness of service and security agencies to respond to any emergencies resulting from these rainy conditions.
