Red Alert: Saudi Arabia Braces for Heavy Rain and Flash Floods
The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has issued an urgent weather warning for several regions across Saudi Arabia, forecasting a period of intense and potentially dangerous weather through Friday. Residents and travelers are being warned to prepare for heavy rainfall, hail, and dust-raising winds, with a significant threat of flash floods in low-lying areas.
High-Risk Regions and Expected Rainfall
The most severe weather conditions are expected to impact the southern and western parts of the Kingdom. The NCM has highlighted several key areas where the weather could turn volatile:
Jazan and Asir Regions
In the Jazan region, heavy rain is anticipated across a wide range of locations, including Al-Rayth, Harub, Al-Dayer, Al-Eidabi, Fayfa, Al-Aridah, Al-Harth, Al-Tuwal, Al-Darb, Baysh, Sabya, Damad, Abu Arish, Ahad Al-Masarihah, and Samtah.
The Asir region is also under high alert, with intensity expected to peak on Sunday and Friday. Affected areas include:
- Abha and Khamis Mushait
- Ahad Rafidah and Sarat Abidah
- Al-Harajah and Dhahran Al-Janub
- Al-Farshah and Al-Namas
- Tanomah and Rijal Almaa
- Bareq, Mahayil Asir, Al-Majardah, and Balqarn
Al-Baha and Makkah Regions
The Al-Baha region, encompassing Al-Baha city, Baljurashi, Al-Mandaq, Qilwah, Bani Hassan, Al-Qara, Al-Aqiq, Al-Hajrah, and Ghamid Al-Zinad, is expected to see high levels of weather activity on Monday and Tuesday.
In the Makkah region, the forecast varies by location:
- Taif, Maysan, Adham, and Al-Ardiyat: Expected to experience light to moderate rain.
- Al-Kamil, Bahrah, Al-Jumum, and Khulais: Expected to face moderate to heavy rainfall on Monday and Tuesday.
Weather Intensity and Safety Hazards
The NCM has provided specific metrics to help citizens and residents understand the severity of the incoming weather. Heavy rain is classified as 10 to 50 mm per hour, which may be accompanied by winds reaching 60 km/h. Such conditions can lead to near-zero visibility and dangerous coastal waves.
For comparison, moderate rain is defined as falling at a rate of 5 to 9 mm per hour.
Other Forecasted Conditions
Beyond the heavy rain zones, other parts of the country will face different weather challenges:
- Madinah, Al-Ula, Khaybar, and the Najran region: Light to moderate rain is expected. In Najran, specific areas include Badr Al-Janub, Yadamah, Thar, Hubuna, and Khubash.
- Riyadh: Residents should prepare for dust-raising winds.
- Coastal Makkah and the Eastern Region: Fog is expected to impact visibility.
Critical Advice for Workers and Commuters
The NCM's update is particularly vital for those working in high-exposure sectors. Migrant workers in construction, delivery, transport, retail, hospitality, and service industries are urged to take extra precautions, as severe weather can drastically impact road safety and visibility, especially on mountain routes and low-lying roads.
Authorities strongly advise all individuals to avoid driving through standing water and to remain vigilant by monitoring official NCM channels for real-time safety updates and changing conditions.