Saudi Arabia rains: Floods and hail in 7 regions, warning issued for the Eastern Province

Saudi Arabia is experiencing widespread rainy weather, which began on Wednesday and will continue until Thursday, directly affecting seven major regions. The National Center for Meteorology has issued a series of advanced warnings of severe weather fluctuations, including heavy rainfall, hail, and flash floods, urging citizens and residents to exercise caution.

Weather details and affected areas

The National Center for Meteorology explained that the weather map for the rainy weather system covers a wide geographical area extending from the southwestern highlands to include the regions of Asir, Al-Baha, Jazan, and Makkah. Rain-bearing thunderclouds also extend to cover the Qassim region and the northern and western parts of the Riyadh region, reaching as far as the Eastern Province, which received significant warnings due to the expected severity of the weather conditions there.

Orange and yellow alert in the eastern region

The National Center for Meteorology issued detailed warnings specifically for the Eastern Province, dividing the region into two zones according to the severity of the situation:

• The orange zone (most severe) begins at 2:00 PM on Wednesday and includes northern and inland governorates such as Hafr Al-Batin, Al-Khafji, Al-Nairiyah, and Qaryat Al-Ulya. These areas are expected to experience moderate to heavy rainfall and high-speed winds leading to near-zero horizontal visibility, with a high probability of hail and flash floods in valleys.
• The yellow zone (moderate intensity) begins at 3:00 PM and covers major coastal cities such as Dammam, Khobar, Qatif, Jubail, and Ras Tanura, extending to Al-Ahsa and Abqaiq. This zone is characterized by light rain and active winds that stir up dust and sand.

Climate context and the importance of adhering to instructions

These weather fluctuations are part of the Kingdom's natural climatic cycle during transitional periods and winter, when the Arabian Peninsula is affected by low-pressure systems that contribute to rainfall, a vital source of groundwater. However, this rainfall can also pose a risk if flash floods occur. The importance of these warnings is underscored by the Kingdom's diverse topography, where mountains and valleys increase the speed of water flow, making low-lying areas more vulnerable to flooding.

Locally, these weather conditions directly impact traffic and highways, especially those connecting open areas and governorates. Therefore, the National Center for Meteorology and relevant authorities stressed the importance of staying away from wadis and floodplains, and avoiding open areas during thunderstorms to prevent the risk of lightning strikes. The weather system is expected to persist in the Eastern Province for 8 to 9 hours, until 11:00 PM on Wednesday, requiring continuous monitoring of the "Anwaa" app and official channels for the latest updates.