Weather warnings: Heavy thunderstorms expected in parts of Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is expected to experience significant weather fluctuations in the coming days, with the National Center for Meteorology forecasting heavy thunderstorms of varying intensity across most regions of the Kingdom. This rainy period will begin on Wednesday, March 11 (corresponding to Ramadan 22) and continue until Sunday, March 15 (corresponding to Ramadan 26), urging citizens and residents to take precautions.
The nature of the spring climate and weather fluctuations in the Kingdom
Historically, spring in the Arabian Peninsula is known as a transitional period characterized by rapid and sharp changes in atmospheric pressure systems. These changes typically lead to the formation of cumulonimbus clouds, which cause sudden rainfall. This time of year is considered a natural rainy season, contributing to groundwater replenishment and the revitalization of vegetation, which aligns with ongoing environmental efforts to increase green spaces and combat desertification in various regions.
Details of the rainfall situation in Mecca and Medina
The meteorological report indicated that the Madinah region will experience moderate to heavy rainfall, particularly concentrated in the governorates of Al Mahd and Al Hanakiyah on Wednesday and Thursday. In the Makkah region, light rain is expected in the Holy City, Al Jumum, Bahrah, and Al Kamil during the same period. Meanwhile, rainfall will intensify to become moderate to heavy in the governorates of Taif, Maysan, Adham, Turabah, Al Muwayh, Al Khurmah, and Ranyah, before gradually decreasing to light to moderate from Friday through Sunday.
Impact of the low-pressure system on Riyadh and the Eastern Province
The area affected by rainfall extends to the Riyadh region, where moderate to heavy rain is expected on Wednesday and Thursday in the capital, Riyadh, and the governorates of Al-Zulfi, Al-Ghat, Shaqra, Marat, Dhurma, Al-Muzahmiya, Al-Dilam, Al-Rayn, Al-Quway'iyah, Al-Dawadmi, Afif, Rumah, Ad-Diriyah, Huraymila, Thadiq, Al-Majma'ah, Hawtat Bani Tamim, Al-Hariq, and Al-Kharj. Meanwhile, Wadi Ad-Dawasir, As-Sulayyil, and Al-Aflaj will experience moderate rainfall. In the Eastern Province, heavy rain will be concentrated in Hafr Al-Batin and Al-Khafji, extending to include Abqaiq, Qaryat Al-Ulya, An-Nu'ayriyah, Al-Khobar, Qatif, Ras Tanura, Jubail, Dammam, Al-Udayd, and Al-Ahsa.
Weather forecast for northern and southern regions
The forecast also included northern and southern regions, with Al-Baha, Asir, Jazan, and Najran experiencing light to heavy rainfall, accompanied by flash floods in valleys and ravines. In the north, Hail, Qassim, the Northern Borders, Tabuk, and Al-Jawf regions are also expected to receive similar rainfall, further contributing to the widespread nature of this weather system across most of the country.
Expected consequences following heavy thunderstorms
have Heavy thunderstorms multifaceted impacts. Locally, these rains contribute to replenishing the strategic water reserves in dams and supporting the agricultural sector, positively impacting the environment and food security. However, the heavy rainfall may also lead to temporary challenges to infrastructure and traffic, as the center warned of accompanying phenomena such as strong surface winds causing dust storms, hail, flash floods, and high waves along the coasts, with the possibility of waterspouts or tornadoes forming in rare cases.
In closing, the National Center of Meteorology stressed the importance of following continuous updates and early warnings through its official channels, social media platforms, and the “Anwaa” app. Civil Defense authorities urge everyone to stay away from valleys and flood channels to ensure public safety during these weather fluctuations.
