Meteorology: Heavy rain and floods in Qassim, and winds in Medina

The National Center for Meteorology issued an important weather alert, warning of severe weather fluctuations that will directly affect the Qassim region and parts of Medina. These warnings come as part of the ongoing monitoring of seasonal rainfall patterns in the Kingdom, urging citizens and residents to take precautions.

Details of the rainfall situation in the Qassim region

The center explained in its report that the Qassim region will experience a period of atmospheric instability starting next Saturday and continuing until Sunday morning. Forecasts indicate moderate to heavy rainfall, which may lead to flash floods in valleys and ravines.

The center identified the areas and cities affected by this weather event as: the city of Buraydah, and the governorates of Unayzah, Ar Rass, Al Bukayriyah, Al Mudhnib, Al Badai, Riyadh Al Khabra, Uyun Al Jawa, Ash Shamasiyah, Al Asyah, An Nabhaniyah, Uqlat As Suqur, Dhariyah, and Abanat . These rains are expected to be accompanied by various weather phenomena that will exacerbate the situation.

Accompanying weather phenomena and potential hazards

The National Center of Meteorology indicated that the accompanying effects are not limited to rainfall alone, but also include:

• Hailstones fell in varying intensity.
• Significant activity in surface winds and stirring up dust and sand, which may limit horizontal visibility.
• downdrafts thunderstorms , where wind speeds may exceed 60 km/h, posing a danger to unsecured objects and highway users.

Strong winds and reduced visibility in Medina

In conjunction with the situation in Al-Qassim, the center warned of the continued impact of strong winds on the Madinah region throughout the day. The report indicated that wind speeds could reach 59 km/h, leading to near-zero horizontal visibility at times.

This situation includes: Madinah, Al-Hanakiya, Al-Mahd, Al-Ais, Badr, and Wadi Al-Fara’ , where the situation will continue - God willing - until 5 pm.

The importance of adhering to safety and civil defense instructions

Given these weather fluctuations, it is crucial to heed the warnings issued by official authorities. The General Directorate of Civil Defense and the National Center for Meteorology urge everyone to stay away from valleys and flood channels during rainfall, and to avoid low-lying areas where water may accumulate.

Drivers are also advised to exercise extreme caution while driving in strong winds and rain, and to maintain safe distances to avoid skidding accidents, especially at the beginning of rainfall when roads are more slippery.

The context of the weather conditions and their environmental impact

These weather fluctuations are a natural part of the Kingdom's climate during transitional and seasonal periods. These rains play a vital role in replenishing groundwater and irrigating vegetation in desert and agricultural areas such as Al-Qassim. Despite the temporary risks associated with flash floods and winds, these rainfall events are welcome as they support water reserves and agriculture in the region, provided they are managed responsibly and in accordance with public safety standards.