Saudi Arabia weather: Heavy rain in Medina and Tabuk, and fog in the Eastern Province

The National Center for Meteorology issued urgent warnings about the expected weather conditions on Monday morning, warning of severe weather fluctuations affecting several regions, ranging from heavy rainfall accompanied by severe weather phenomena, to the formation of dense fog leading to a lack of horizontal visibility.

Heavy rains and floods in Medina and Tabuk

The center explained in its report that the Madinah and Tabuk have been experiencing unstable weather conditions since the early morning hours. Forecasts indicate that heavy rainfall will continue until 11:00 AM in Madinah and until 9:00 AM in the Tabuk region.

The weather conditions are not limited to rain only, but are accompanied by high-speed surface winds, hail, a high probability of flash floods in valleys and ravines, as well as thunderstorms and a lack of horizontal visibility.

Areas affected by the rainfall:

• Madinah: The warnings include (Madinah, Badr, Khaybar, Al-Ula, Al-Ais, Al-Mahd, Al-Hanakiya, Wadi Al-Fara, Al-Rais, and Yanbu).
• Tabuk region: The alert is particularly focused on the Tayma governorate.

Red alert: Dense fog covers the eastern region

In a related development, the National Center of Meteorology issued a "red alert" for the Eastern Province, warning of a dense fog that began at midnight and is expected to continue until 8:00 AM on Monday. This phenomenon is causing near-zero horizontal visibility (one kilometer or less), necessitating extreme caution for those using highways and open roads.

Cities affected by the fog:

• Dammam, Dhahran, Khobar, Qatif.
• Jubail, Ras Tanura, Khafji, Nairyah.
• Al-Ahsa, Abqaiq, and Al-Adeed.

Safety guidelines and the importance of warnings

These warnings are of paramount importance given the Kingdom's topography, where heavy rains often cause flash floods, posing a danger to hikers and drivers. The General Directorate of Civil Defense typically advises people in such conditions to remain in safe locations, stay away from valleys and flood channels, and never attempt to cross them, regardless of the water level.

Drivers in the Eastern Province are also advised to use fog lights, maintain a safe distance, and avoid speeding due to low visibility, in order to ensure everyone's safety during the morning rush hour as employees and students head to their work and schools.

Climate context in the Kingdom

These weather fluctuations are part of the typical climatic patterns in Saudi Arabia during the transitional seasons and winter. Northern and western regions are affected by low-pressure systems that bring rainfall, while humidity levels rise in the eastern coastal areas, creating conditions conducive to dense fog. The National Center for Meteorology's detailed report reflects the development of the Kingdom's weather monitoring system and its ability to provide early warnings of weather phenomena, thus mitigating potential risks.