Red Alerts Issued Across Saudi Arabia Amid 96th National Day Celebrations
The National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has issued urgent weather warnings across several Saudi Arabian provinces as the nation celebrates its 96th National Day on September 23, 2026. Severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and flash flood risks, are expected to impact western and southwestern regions during the holiday period.
Critical Warning Zones: Makkah and Asir Under Threat
The NCM dashboard indicates a high level of atmospheric instability, particularly in the Makkah and Asir regions. Authorities have categorized the alerts into Red, Orange, and Yellow levels to signal the severity of the upcoming weather patterns.
- Makkah Region: Currently facing 21 active warnings. This includes 2 Red Alerts specifically for heavy rain in Taif, 8 Orange Alerts for moderate rain in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Al-Jumum, Al-Kamil, and Al-Ardiyat, and 11 Yellow Alerts.
- Asir Region: The situation here is even more critical, with 4 out of 7 active warnings categorized as Red Alerts. These high-level warnings cover Abha, Muhayil, Al Mejardah, and Al Farshah, alongside 3 Orange Alerts for moderate rain.
- Coastal and Other Areas: Jeddah and its coastal neighbors are facing alerts regarding fog and significantly reduced visibility.
Severe Weather Hazards to Watch For
The NCM forecast warns of a volatile mix of weather elements that could pose significant risks to life and property. Residents and travelers should prepare for:
- Heavy thunderstorms and intense rainfall
- Hail and high-velocity winds
- Flash flood risks in low-lying areas and valleys
- Reduced visibility due to fog and storms
Additional warnings for moderate to heavy thunderstorms, hail, and active winds have also been issued for Jazan, Al-Baha, and Madinah.
Safety Directives for Residents and Workers
The Saudi Civil Defense has issued a stern advisory for all citizens and residents to ensure safety during the National Day festivities. To mitigate risks, the following precautions are recommended:
- Seek Shelter: Remain in safe, secure locations during peak storm activity.
- Avoid Water Hazards: Do not attempt to enter flowing water or approach valleys and flood-prone low-lying areas.
- Travel Caution: Drivers on mountain and wadi routes—particularly in Taif, Makkah, Asir, and Al-Baha—must monitor road conditions closely and follow all diversions set by traffic police or Civil Defense.
These warnings are particularly significant for the large expat workforce in sectors such as construction, delivery, transport, maintenance, hospitality, and outdoor services, many of whom remain on duty despite the national celebrations.
Stay Informed Through Official Channels
Residents and travelers are urged to rely exclusively on official updates from the NCM, Civil Defense, and local municipality channels.
To avoid the spread of misinformation, authorities advise against following unverified reports on social media. Families planning to attend outdoor National Day gatherings should verify the latest weather updates through official social media accounts or municipality channels before heading out.