Meteorological Authority: Heavy rains and floods to hit Saudi Arabia on Friday and Saturday

The National Center for Meteorology issued an urgent report warning of unstable, rainy weather conditions. Most regions of the Kingdom are expected to experience moderate to heavy thunderstorms on Friday and Saturday, February 6th and 7th. This weather system will be accompanied by various weather phenomena, including hail, strong winds causing dust storms, and a high probability of flash floods in valleys and ravines.

Climate context and the importance of weather conditions

This weather pattern is particularly significant due to its geographical scope and timing. The Kingdom is typically affected during this period by weather fluctuations resulting from the interaction of cold air masses with moisture from tropical regions. Weather experts indicate that these rains play a vital role in replenishing groundwater reserves and irrigating vegetation. However, extreme caution is required due to the topography of some areas in Saudi Arabia, which is prone to the formation of flash floods.

Rainfall map for Riyadh and the Eastern Province

The weather report detailed the expected conditions in the capital and eastern regions:

• Riyadh region: The capital and the governorates of Diriyah, Dhurma, Al-Muzahmiya, and Al-Kharj are experiencing light to moderate rain. Meanwhile, the intensity of the weather system is increasing to moderate to heavy in the governorates of Afif, Dawadmi, Al-Majma'ah, Al-Zulfi, and Shaqra.
• The Eastern Province will be affected by moderate to heavy rains, including Hafr Al-Batin, Al-Khafji and Al-Nairiyah, while it will be less severe in Dammam, Al-Khobar, Jubail and Al-Ahsa on Saturday.

Weather forecast for Mecca and Medina

Given its religious significance and population density, the center dedicated a section of its report to the holy sites:

• Makkah Region: The holy city of Makkah and Jeddah will experience light to moderate rain on Friday, while heavy that may lead to flash floods is expected in Taif, Maysan, and Turbah.
• Medina region: Medina and Al-Ula are affected by moderate rain, and the situation intensifies to become heavy in Al-Mahd and Wadi Al-Fara.

Northern regions, Qassim and Hail

The weather system also affected the northern and central regions, with heavy rainfall expected in the Qassim (Buraidah, Unaizah, and Ar Rass) and the Hail , including all its governorates. The northern regions (Tabuk, Al Jawf, and the Northern Borders) will experience light to moderate rain, with the heaviest rainfall expected in Rafha governorate on Saturday.

Rainfall intensity classification and official warnings

The National Center for Meteorology provided a detailed technical explanation of the situation classification:

• Moderate rainfall: (5-9 mm/hour) accompanied by winds reaching speeds of up to 60 km/h.
• Heavy rainfall: (10-50 mm/hour and more) is the most dangerous, as it may be accompanied by tornadoes or waterspouts in coastal areas, with a lack of horizontal visibility.

The center called on all citizens and residents to exercise caution and stay away from flood channels and valleys, and to follow real-time alerts through the “Anwaa” application and the center’s official accounts, to ensure public safety during these weather fluctuations.