Heavy thunderstorms in Saudi Arabia: Weather details and warnings

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The National Center for Meteorology issued a detailed report on the expected weather conditions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, indicating that most regions will experience severe weather fluctuations characterized by moderate to heavy thunderstorms, starting from Friday until Sunday (January 23-25). This weather pattern is part of the winter weather system, which brings benefits to the land, but caution is advised due to the possibility of flash floods in some valleys and ravines.

The climatic context and the importance of rainfall patterns

This weather pattern is of particular importance due to its widespread impact across a large number of regions in the Kingdom, from the northern regions to the central, eastern, and western areas. Winter rainfall in the Kingdom is a vital source of groundwater and contributes to the revitalization of vegetation in desert and mountainous regions. However, the geographical nature of some areas, especially those with numerous valleys and wadis, necessitates a cautious approach to official warnings, as heavy rainfall over short periods can lead to flash floods that may pose a danger to hikers and travelers on highways.

Weather details and rainfall distribution across regions

According to the National Center for Meteorology report, the rainfall map will be as follows:

Tabuk region: will be affected by moderate to heavy rain on Friday and Saturday, including the governorates of Tabuk, Neom, Tayma, Haql, Al Wajh, Umluj, Al Bada, and Duba.
Al-Jawf and Northern Borders region: Heavy rain is expected in Sakaka, Dumat Al-Jandal, Arar and Rafha, while it will be light to moderate in Al-Qurayyat, Tabarjal and Tarif.
Riyadh region: The situation extends to include the capital and its affiliated governorates (such as Al Majmaah, Al Zulfi, Al Kharj, and others) with light to moderate rain from Saturday until Sunday morning.
The Eastern Province: It is affected by heavy rains, including Hafr Al-Batin and Al-Khafji, and extends to include Dammam, Jubail and Al-Khobar with light to moderate rains.
The Qassim and Hail regions are experiencing moderate to heavy rainfall, including most of their affiliated governorates, during the weekend.
Medina and Mecca: They will be affected by rain of varying intensity, with heavy rain in Medina and Yanbu on Saturday, while the Holy Capital and Jeddah will experience light to moderate rain.

Classification of rainfall intensity and associated phenomena

The center provided a scientific explanation of the concepts of expected rainfall intensity and its associated effects to raise public awareness:

Light rain (1-4 mm/hour), which may be accompanied by dust-raising downdrafts with speeds up to 50 km/h.
Moderate rainfall: (5-9 mm/hour), with winds reaching speeds of up to 60 km/h, and the possibility of hail and flash floods.
Heavy rainfall: (10-50 mm/hour) or more, which is the most dangerous situation and may be accompanied by strong winds, heavy hail, high sea waves, and the possibility of the formation of funnel clouds in some special climatic conditions.

The National Center for Meteorology and relevant authorities, including the Civil Defense, call on all citizens and residents to exercise caution, stay away from flood channels and valleys, and follow updates through official channels and the "Anwaa" application to ensure public safety during this period.