Urgent: Red alert warns of heavy rain in 5 Saudi regions

The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia issued an urgent warning, classified as a "red alert," alerting citizens and residents to heavy rainfall accompanied by severe weather fluctuations. These warnings come as part of the authorities' commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property, as large parts of five major regions in the Kingdom are experiencing unstable weather conditions today, Monday.

Red alert details and areas of heavy rainfall

The meteorological report indicated that the weather phenomenon would begin at noon and continue until 9 PM. The accompanying effects include high-speed winds leading to near-zero horizontal visibility, hail, flash floods in valleys and ravines, and frequent thunderstorms. The areas directly affected include:

• Riyadh: Al-Aflaj, As-Sulayyil, Wadi Ad-Dawasir, Al-Hariq, Al-Kharj, Ad-Dilam, Al-Muzahmiya, Hawtat Bani Tamim, Ar-Rayn, and Al-Quway'iyah.
• Makkah Al-Mukarramah: Al-Khurmah, Al-Muwayh, Turbah, Ranyah, and Al-Ardiyat.
• Al-Baha: Al-Hujrah, Al-Makhwah, Far’ah Ghamid Al-Zanad, Qalwah, Al-Baha, Al-Aqiq, Al-Qura, Al-Mandaq, Baljurashi, and Bani Hassan.
• Jazan: Al-Harth, Al-Dayer, Al-Raith, Al-Ardah, Al-Aydabi, Fifa, and Haroub.
• Asir: Al-Amwah, Al-Arin, Bisha, Tathlith, Tarib, Al-Majardah, Bariq, Rijal Alma, Mahayil, Al-Namas, Balqarn, Tanomah, Abha, Ahad Rafidah, Khamis Mushait, Al-Harjah, Al-Rabou’ah, Al-Farshah, Sarat Abidah, and Dhahran Al-Janoub.

Climate change and the role of meteorology in protecting society

Historically, the Arabian Peninsula is known for its arid desert climate, but seasonal transitions often bring periods of atmospheric instability. In recent years, there has been an increase in the frequency of exceptional rainfall events, which climate experts attribute to global climate change affecting regional weather patterns. This highlights the vital and pivotal role of the National Center of Meteorology, which utilizes state-of-the-art radar and satellite technologies to monitor these changes with high precision. Issuing a "red alert" is not merely a routine procedure; it represents the highest level of warning, requiring the utmost caution and reflecting the significant advancements in the Kingdom's early warning system.

Expected impacts of weather conditions on daily life

Rainfall in the Kingdom has multifaceted impacts. On the positive side, it contributes to replenishing groundwater, raising dam levels, and supporting vegetation and the agricultural sector. However, the heavy rainfall and resulting flash floods pose significant local challenges. This weather pattern is expected to affect traffic on highways and local roads due to reduced visibility and water accumulation. Government agencies, such as Civil Defense and municipalities, are mobilizing their teams to address any potential emergencies, ensuring the continuity of essential services and safeguarding infrastructure.

Comprehensive weather forecast for Monday

In a related development, the National Center for Meteorology forecasts continued moderate to heavy thunderstorms, potentially leading to flash floods, accompanied by hail and strong winds that may stir up dust and sand. This weather pattern is expected to affect parts of the Eastern Province, Riyadh, Najran, Jazan, Asir, Al-Baha, and Makkah. The report also indicates the possibility of this weather system extending to the southern parts of the Madinah region. Dense fog is expected to form during the night and early morning hours across large areas of the highlands and these regions, requiring drivers to exercise extreme caution while driving.