Saudi Arabia weather: Heavy rain and flash floods expected today, Saturday, in 4 regions

The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued heavy rainfall that could lead to flash floods, urging citizens and residents to take precautions.

Weather details and warnings

According to the center's report, the weather is unstable, with a high probability of heavy thunderstorms accompanied by hail. This weather pattern will not be limited to rain alone, but will also be accompanied by strong winds that will stir up dust and sand, potentially leading to near-zero horizontal visibility, especially on highways and in open areas. The areas most affected by this weather pattern include:

• Northern Border Region.
• Al-Jawf region.
• Tabuk region.
• The northern parts of the Medina region.

Extension of the rainy and foggy conditions

The weather forecast is not limited to the northern regions; the chances of thunderstorms and rain extend to parts of the highlands of Makkah, Al-Baha, and Jazan, as well as parts of Al-Qassim and Hail. Conversely, the center warned of dense fog that may reduce visibility during the early morning and late night hours in parts of these regions, as well as parts of the Eastern Province, requiring drivers to exercise extreme caution.

The context of weather fluctuations and the importance of adhering to instructions

These weather fluctuations are part of the seasonal changes the Kingdom experiences, as the region is affected by low-pressure systems that contribute to rainfall, which is vital for groundwater and vegetation. However, this rainfall can pose a danger when it turns into flash floods in valleys and ravines. These warnings are of paramount importance to protect lives and property, and relevant authorities, including Civil Defense, are working in coordination with the Meteorology Department to raise preparedness levels.

Experts advise staying away from flood channels and valley bottoms during this period, avoiding going to sea in areas experiencing weather disturbances, and following the constantly updated weather bulletins.

State of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf

Regarding maritime navigation, the report described wind patterns and wave conditions as follows:

Red Sea

• Surface winds: Southeasterly to southwesterly at speeds ranging from 10-38 km/h, and may reach speeds of more than 60 km/h with heavy rainfall in the northern part.
• Wave height: ranging from half a meter to one and a half meters, and may reach more than two and a half meters in areas affected by heavy rains in the north.
• Sea state: Light to moderate waves, turning rough with heavy rainfall in the northern part.

Arabian Gulf

• Surface winds: Northerly to northwesterly in the northern and central parts, and easterly to northeasterly in the southern part at a speed of 10-30 km/h, turning southwesterly and southeasterly at night.
• Wave height: from half a meter to one and a half meters.
• Sea state: Generally calm.