Red alert: Heavy rains hit 6 regions in Saudi Arabia today

The National Center for Meteorology issued a "red alert" in its latest weather report, warning of heavy rainfall across large parts of six major regions in Saudi Arabia on Thursday. This unstable weather system will be accompanied by severe effects including extremely strong winds, near-zero visibility, hail, flash floods in valleys and ravines, and thunderstorms, urging citizens and residents to exercise extreme caution.

Map of areas affected by heavy rainfall in the Kingdom

The detailed report issued by the relevant authorities indicated that heavy rainfall will be concentrated in several cities and governorates distributed across six administrative regions, which are as follows:

• Riyadh region: includes Dawadmi, Al-Rayn, Al-Quway’iyah, Afif, Thadiq, Huraymila, Rumah, Dhurma, Marat, Al-Zulfi, Al-Ghat, Al-Majma’ah, and Shaqra.
• Medina: Al-Ula, Khaybar, Al-Hanakiya and Al-Mahd are affected.
• Al-Jawf region: includes Dumat Al-Jandal and Sakaka.
• Tabuk region: includes the city of Tabuk and Tayma.
• Al-Qassim region: It covers Al-Asyah, Al-Badai’, Al-Bukayriyah, Al-Thamiriya, Al-Shamasiya, Al-Ammar, Al-Mudhnib, Buraydah, Unayzah, Uyun Al-Jawa, Abanat, Al-Khabra, Ar-Rass, Al-Fawarah, An-Nabhaniah, Riyadh Al-Khabra, Dhariyah, and Uqlat As-Suqur.
• Hail region: includes Al-Shanan, Baqaa, Samira, Al-Hait, Al-Sulaimi, Al-Shamli, Al-Ghazala, Hail city, and Muwaqq.

Climate change and the history of weather patterns in the Arabian Peninsula

These warnings come amidst a climate undergoing significant changes globally, and the Arabian Peninsula is not immune. Historically, Saudi Arabia is known for its arid desert climate, but seasonal transitions, particularly between autumn and winter or winter and spring, are typically marked by periods of atmospheric instability. In recent years, meteorologists have observed an increase in the frequency and intensity of rainfall events, with hail and flash floods becoming increasingly common in desert regions. This is attributed to the expansion of low-pressure systems and the convergence of cold and warm air masses, resulting in the formation of massive cumulonimbus clouds that release their water load in large quantities over a short period.

Expected repercussions of the weather on daily life and the economy

This weather event is of great importance and has multifaceted impacts locally. On the positive side, these rains contribute to replenishing groundwater reservoirs, raising water levels in dams, and supporting vegetation and natural pastures upon which the livestock sector depends. On the cautionary side, the heavy rainfall and flash floods necessitate a full mobilization of relevant authorities, such as the General Directorate of Civil Defense and traffic departments, as water accumulation and poor visibility disrupt traffic on highways and local roads. These severe weather conditions often prompt education departments to suspend in-person classes and switch to online learning platforms to ensure the safety of students, reflecting the resilience and efficiency of the Kingdom's institutional systems in dealing with emergencies and early warnings.

Light showers are expected in the eastern region

In addition to the advanced warnings, the National Center for Meteorology, in its separate weather report, indicated that light to moderate rain is expected in parts of the Eastern Province on Thursday. This weather phenomenon is expected to begin at 1:00 PM and continue until 11:00 PM. The warning specifically includes the governorates of Hafr Al-Batin and Qaryat Al-Ulya. As in other regions, this rain is expected to be accompanied by active surface winds, a significant decrease in horizontal visibility, and the possibility of thunderstorms. Therefore, caution and adherence to safety guidelines are advised while driving during these times.